Bart Beeson
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New Hampshire-based freelance travel writer
Articles by Bart Beeson
Finding Fairies in Scotland: An Isle of Skye Family Vacation
“To find a fairy, you have to look with your heart,” our 4-year-old daughter earnestly intoned, placing her hand squarely over her belly. I wasn’t sure where she had picked up this particular piece of wisdom, but during our visit to Scotland’s Isle of of Skye, I figured if we were going to find fairies anywhere, this is where they would be.
Montreal's SonoLux hotel combines art, music and history
On a quiet Wednesday night at Montreal's SonoLux hotel, a jazz trio ran through standards in Subterra, the property's underground music venue and audio lounge. A small crowd nodded along with the music, while the bartender mixed craft cocktails. The music was apropos of the moment -- the following day was the kick-off of the renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival.
All-Season Family Fun and Activities Abound: A Road Trip to the Berkshires
For our family, a great road trip usually involves some place where we can establish a home base and take a variety of quick trips from there. It’s like having little mini-adventures within the overall trip. It also allows us to play things by ear, depending on the weather or whether our daughter is up for certain activities. During a recent weekend trip to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, we found we had plenty of options.
Von der Großstadt in die Kleinstadt: Darum zog ich so oft um
Mein Zuhause in New Hampshire ist im Moment perfekt für meinen Lebensstil. Bart Beeson Der Autor wuchs in vielen US-Städten auf und ist auch als Erwachsener häufig umgezogen. Mit der Zeit zog es ihn in immer kleinere Städte, die besser zu seinem Leben passten. Heute lebt er in einer College-Stadt in New Hampshire – perfekt für seinen Lebensstil und den seiner jungen Familie. Ich habe mein ganzes Leben damit verbracht, neue Orte zu entdecken.
I've lived in 4 different cities, each one smaller than the last. This pattern's been great as I've gotten older. Original
I've spent my whole life exploring new places. Growing up, my family moved all over the US, from my birthplace of Cincinnati to Boston, Dallas, and various other cities. As an adult, I've continued that trend, moving to progressively smaller cities over the years, before settling in my current home: a New Hampshire college town of under 7,000 people. I've never once moved because I disliked where I lived; in fact, each place was exactly what I wanted at that time in my life.
Grand time at New Hampshire's Mountain View Resort
From the resort's spacious veranda, guests can enjoy spectacular vistas of the White Mountains while relaxing with a cold beverage in Adirondack chairs, as visitors have done since the property opened in 1866. Given the well-documented effect that a relaxing weekend in nature can have on one's well-being, it's not surprising that the resort has launched a series of wellness retreats.
Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Roanoke and Blue Ridge, Virginia
On a recent three-day visit to Roanoke, I toured the city via e-bike, recreated in the mountains, and tucked into some great food and brews. Roanoke is extremely bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and trails. My guided e-bike tour with Roanoke Mountain Adventures took us up the slopes of Mill Mountain, to Starr Hill Brewing, and then into downtown Roanoke where we stopped at two more breweries. Then there’s the hiking.
Relaxation at new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters in Jamaica: Travel Weekly
She told me that that is the idea behind the Diamond Club service that's now available at the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters in Montego Bay, which opened its doors in November. The 352-room resort, part of the Autograph Collection, underwent a roughly $20 million conversion to the adults-only Hideaway brand. On a hosted stay at the resort, located adjacent to the family-friendly Royalton Blue Waters, I had a chance to experience the VIP-level service firsthand.
An epic voyage into the notoriously hard-to-reach Northwest Passage: Travel Weekly Original
Seconds later a massive sheet of ice calved off the iceberg and crashed into the water. My sense of exhilaration quickly turned into apprehension as the resulting wave came speeding toward our boat, growing rapidly as it approached. There were sounds of nervousness from my fellow passengers as we all wondered if this wave was going to grow big enough to flip us over or come crashing down on top of us. In the end, the wave passed harmlessly beneath us, much to our collective relief.
A Tour of New England’s Isles of Shoals from Portsmouth’s AC Marriott Hotel
Home»Discoveries»A Tour of New England’s Isles of Shoals from Portsmouth’s AC Marriott Hotel / / / 17 By Bart Beeson From the rooftop restaurant at Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s AC Marriott Hotel, it’s easy to appreciate how the city was born and continues to thrive as a bustling commercial maritime hub. Ships from all over the world ease down the Piscataqua River to deliver their cargo, passing under the iconic bridges that connect New Hampshire to Maine.
Savoring San Juan: Cuisine and Culture in Puerto Rico’s Capital
Home»Getaways»Caribbean»Savoring San Juan: Cuisine and Culture in Puerto Rico’s Capital Caribbean/Food & Drink/Knife & Fork / June 25, 2023 / 0 / 5 By Bart Beeson There is perhaps no better way to discover the soul of a city than through its food. The main ingredients, the spices, and the preparation of local dishes are a living testament to a city’s history, the availability of resources, the arrival of immigrants, and the mixing of cultures.
King Pine & Gunstock: History, Community & Skiing
Gunstock, with views over Lake Winnipesaukee. Photo Gunstock. By Bart Beeson “In the age of cookie-cutter ski resorts, this is New Hampshire skiing,” says Tom Eastman, local ski historian and journalist. His sentiment summed up my recent skiing experience at two of New Hampshire’s independent resorts: King Pine Ski Area and Gunstock Mountain Resort. King Pine is a family-owned resort in Madison, NH, while Gunstock, in Gilford NH, is owned by Belknap County in which it’s located.
Enjoying all Jordan has to offer on an Exodus Travels tour: Travel Weekly Original
There's a reason why Jordan's Petra, a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is on the travel bucket lists of so many people. Entering the ancient city through the narrow, winding gorge with towering rock walls, visitors emerge to see the iconic temple known as the Treasury, the most recognizable of hundreds of intricate facades carved into the rock cliffs of Petra. The temple known as the Treasury in Petra on an Exodus Travels trip through Jordan.
Exploring Maine’s MidCoast From The Federal
Home»Hotels»Exploring Maine’s MidCoast From The Federal / October 1, 2022 / 0 / 16 By Bart Beeson If The Federal in Brunswick, Maine could talk, you would imagine it would spin long yarns about seafaring days and ocean adventures. The hotel’s original building dates back to the early 1800s and was once the Captain Daniel Stone Inn, named after the well-known sea merchant who built the house. The property was eventually inherited by his daughter, prominent local businesswoman Narcissa Stone.
A Family Tradition Lives on at Purity Spring Resort
Home»Discoveries»A Family Tradition Lives on at Purity Spring Resort / August 9, 2022 / 0 / 612 By Bart Beeson “A summer vacation is not a luxury, a matter for economy. It is an insurance policy against a breakdown next winter or in the near future.” So wrote Edward Hoyt, the owner of Madison, New Hampshire’s Purity Spring Resort, in the early 1900s.
New luxury hotel in Newport focuses on personal touches: Travel Weekly
While the Brenton Hotel in Newport, R.I., may be most aptly described as a luxury boutique hotel, in many ways it feels more like a family-run bed-and-breakfast. The hotel's lobby bar and restaurant, fittingly named the Living Room, features comfortable couches, armchairs and low tables. The managing director, Andy Ross, personally takes guests on bicycle tours of the city, while their director of operations leads group runs.
Discovering the Mohawk Culture of Akwesasne
Evan Cree working on a lacrosse stick. Photo Bart Beeson. By Bart Beeson For Evan Cree, making a wooden lacrosse stick using traditional methods involves getting to know the piece of wood you’re working with. “I like to say that I take the stick and talk to it for a while,” he explains, while shaving down the piece of hickory with an old-fashioned draw knife passed down from his great uncle.
Valletta five-star hotel mixes modern and 17th-century touches
For a city with as much history as Valletta, Malta, it seems fitting that the Rosselli, a boutique luxury hotel located within the city walls, is steeped in history, as well. Set in the 17th-century home of goldsmith and Knight of Malta Pietro Rosselli, the hotel is a love letter to the original owners. "We really wanted to pay homage to the Rosselli family through the different room types," said Andy Tanti, director of sales for the AX Hotel Group.
Discovering Malta and the Adriatic on the Viking Venus
For Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises, there were several reasons to choose Malta as the embarkation point for three of the line's ships this summer. There was a practical side to the choice: Viking wanted to make sure its ships could depart from a location where their crew could get vaccinated with support from the local government. But also, Hagen said, was the fact that Malta is such a unique destination.
Dispatch, Viking Venus: Pride in Covid prevention Original
Listening to the ship's doctor aboard the Viking Venus describe the onboard lab and Covid-19 procedures, it's evident how proud he is of their efforts. He says what sets Viking apart from other cruise companies is the full onboard lab staffed with three technicians conducting daily PCR tests.
Langham, Boston is now state of the art after refit Original
While the exterior of the Langham, Boston hotel may not have changed much, returning guests might not recognize the interior, following an extensive $200 million renovation. The hotel reopened its doors on June 30 after being shuttered for more than two years while the renovation took place. Originally planned as an $85 million project, the owners decided to increase the investment and make additional changes during the pandemic.
Hitting New Heights at The White Mountain Hotel & Resort
View of Echo Lake and White Mountain Hotel from White Horse Ledge. Photo Bart Beeson. By Bart Beeson Peering over the edge of White Horse Ledge in North Conway, New Hampshire, I had to fight the urge to grab on to a nearby tree. The smooth granite rocks slope away and then drop off precipitously, leaving the impression that you could just slide right off the cliff.
Beating the Heat in Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Beech Mountain views. Credit Bart Beeson. By Bart Beeson Getting out of my car in Beech Mountain, North Carolina was, quite literally, a breath of fresh air after having spent the previous two days in sweltering Washington, D.C. Driving up the steep and winding road that leads to the town, navigating hairpin turn after hairpin turn, I had noticed my car’s outdoor thermometer slowly ticking down degree by degree.
6 adventures to have in the New Hampshire outdoors
For anyone looking to get into the great outdoors in New England, New Hampshire is the place to be. We’re talking world-class hiking, paddling, forest bathing, wildlife spotting (moose! bears!), and winding scenic drives to get there. But expect some surprise adventures in the Granite State as well. Surfing, anyone? Hang-gliding? Maybe you knew about these, maybe you didn’t — either way, there’s no disputing that any of the six adventures profiled below will make for one memorable New Hampshire trip.
New Hampshire road trip: Can't-miss stops
New Hampshire proves that epic road trips don’t require more than a weekend. Wake up in the Granite State, and you can start your day by combing the beach — two hours later, you could be driving up to the top of the tallest mountain in the Northeast. Ocean sunrise, mountain sunset. Throughout the rest of the state, you’ll find quaint New England towns and endless hiking opportunities, scenic lakes and rivers for boating and swimming, and spots for history and culture buffs, too.
A Vaccination Vacation at the Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel. Photo Portland Harbor Hotel. By Bart Beeson Sitting on the deck of a waterfront restaurant in Portland, Maine, on a warm spring afternoon, enjoying some fish tacos and a cold beer, it was hard not to sense the optimism in the air. While there were still social distancing requirements in place, there seemed to be more people out and about, and several people had told me about restaurants that were re-opening after going into hibernation mode during the winter.
New Wave of Water Movements in Latin America
The 16th commemoration of World Water Day came and went on March 22 with little fanfare. Francisco, a retired Salvadoran construction worker, didn’t have much to celebrate anyway. When I spoke with him on the poor outskirts of San Salvador last December, water had not come out of his faucets for months. Despite making minimum wage, or about $161 a month, he still dutifully pays his $7 dollar water bill every month.
A Walk on the Wild Side at New York’s Wild Center
Wild Walk Treehouse. Credit The Wild Center. By Bart Beeson “It truly is a magic trick,” says my guide on a recent visit to The Wild Center, a family-friendly science museum and outdoor nature experience in New York’s Adirondack region. We are walking through the center’s Forest Music exhibit, a quarter-mile loop trail through the woods where a series of speakers play a whimsical soundtrack reminiscent of the Vincent Guaraldi trio (of A Charlie Brown Christmas fame).
Mountain living at the Four Seasons in Vail
"Your goal in life right now is to set the hook," my fly-fishing guide advises, as I watch my bobbing strike indicator, looking for the slightest dip or twitch. Over the next several hours, my fishing partner and I plied the waters of the Eagle River in Vail, Colo., repeatedly sending our flies drifting through small rapids and swirling eddies, hoping to feel that sharp tug on our lines.
Rich in wine and history, Georgia worth a toast
According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the country has reopened its borders to some European countries but is not currently admitting arrivals from the U.S. ___ The Tamada, a sculpture of a toastmaster modeled on an ancient statuette found in western Georgia. The oldest evidence of winemaking has been found in the country.
Snowshoes and Brews with REI Experiences in New Hampshire
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with REI Experiences. Credit REI. By Bart Beeson On a snowy January morning I set out to meet with a group of folks on a guided snowshoe tour hike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, just off the famous Kancamagus highway. Six of us arrived at a freshly plowed trailhead and met our two guides, who provided us with our gear for the day: snowshoes, gators, hiking poles and warm mittens.
Natural escape at the Ka'ana Resort in Belize
After wading, swimming and squeezing our way deep into the cave, passing stalagmites and stalactites with surfaces glittering from mineral deposits, our guide led us scrambling up a rock slope to an open chamber. Using his flashlight, he began pointing out the dramatic evidence that ancient Mayans used this space: dozens of earthenware vases, some perfectly intact; and well-preserved human skeletons, some showing evidence of the Mayan practice of skull shaping.
From Finger Lakes to Thousand Islands at New York’s Harbor Hotels
Home»Discoveries»From Finger Lakes to Thousand Islands at New York’s Harbor Hotels Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel By Bart Beeson There are probably not many places where you can hike through a spectacular gorge, drive laps around a professional racetrack, and go to a wine tasting at a local vineyard, all within a couple of miles of each other, but that’s exactly how I spent my first day in Watkins Glen, New York.
Cathay Pacific creates yoga, meditation space at HKA: Travel Weekly
Long flights can take a toll on the body, leaving you sore from being sedentary for so long and tired from the lack of a good night's sleep. With that in mind, Cathay Pacific created a yoga and meditation space at the Pier Business Class lounge at Hong Kong Airport. The Sanctuary is a 700-square-foot area divided into two zones, one for yoga and one for meditation.
Abercrombie & Kent Southeast Asia tour offers pampering for mind, body: Travel Weekly
With the increasing popularity of wellness travel, the definition of what wellness entails can include anything from active vacations to meditation to quirky experiences like goat yoga. Abercrombie & Kent is embracing a holistic concept of wellness through a new line of trips offering guests a wide variety of wellness-inspired activities that highlight the local culture. As a guest of A&K, I recently participated in one of the company's Southeast Asia wellness itineraries.
Luxe tennis getaway at Palladium properties
For tennis aficionados with luxury tastes, the new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, and the two adjacent Palladium hotels just might be the ultimate destination. The hotels and tennis center held a grand opening ceremony in February, with Nadal, winner of 17 Grand Slam singles titles, on hand for the festivities.
Luxe tennis getaway at Palladium properties
For tennis aficionados with luxury tastes, the new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, and the two adjacent Palladium hotels just might be the ultimate destination. The hotels and tennis center held a grand opening ceremony in February, with Nadal, winner of 17 Grand Slam singles titles, on hand for the festivities.
Easter Island adventure with Hotel Hangaroa
There's a story on Easter Island. Actually, there are stories upon stories. This particular story has to do with the island's iconic statues, the mowai. According to local lore, the native inhabitants of the island, the Rapa Nui people, were running out of natural resources and had seen European ships passing by.
Hotel Zetta takes wellness rooms for a spin
It's hard not to notice that San Francisco's Hotel Zetta is a lot like the city itself: high-tech, artsy and just plain fun. And taking a cue from the city's health-conscious vibe, the Zetta, part of the Viceroy Hotel Group's "urban retreat" collection, recently partnered with health-focused city guide creators Well + Away to design wellness-focused rooms for their guests. As a guest of the 116-room hotel on a recent visit, I stayed in one of the new Well + Away rooms.
Prime primate viewing at three East Africa lodges
As we marched single file through the jungle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency, silently wishing the person ahead of me would stay as close to the guides as possible. I was on my way to observe Uganda's mountain gorillas, and I didn't want to miss a second of the hour that each group is allotted to observe them. And then, there they were: A silverback sat in the middle of a clearing munching on leaves.
City thrills and bush digs on South Africa swing
It's hard to describe the involuntary sound that escaped my mouth as I plummeted roughly 260 feet toward the stadium field below me — something between a grunt and a yelp. Either way, it was one of sheer terror. This was my experience on the world's tallest swing, the Big Rush, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. I had climbed the 362 steps up the arch that spans the stadium, then lowered myself down a small ladder to a platform, where I was harnessed into the swing.
Exploring Quebec’s Charlevoix Region from the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu By Bart Beeson Looking at the manicured grounds and castle-like façade of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, Quebec, it’s not hard to imagine folks in 1900’s-era attire disembarking from a steamship and heading up the walkway, followed by porters lugging steamer trunks full of luggage. The hotel, which was originally built in 1899 by a steamship cruise line operating on the Saint Lawrence River, still retains a distinctive turn-of-the-century feel.
Personal touches abound at the F6 Hotel in Helsinki
It's obvious from the moment you walk into the lobby that the F6 Hotel in downtown Helsinki is a family-run affair. First there's the friendly hotel dog, Runar, who is likely to greet you upon arrival. On check-in, the welcoming staff will provide you with a map of the Finnish capital, but not one that you might get from the tourism office. The custom map features the staff's favorite spots in town, from restaurants and cafes to hidden gems and family-friendly venues.
Harborside hospitality at Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, presides over the city's inner harbor like a queen on her throne. During the day, crowds of visitors stroll the beautifully manicured grounds, taking pictures in front of the chateau-style building or venturing inside to partake of the property's elaborate high tea ceremony or shop at one of the hotel's six stores.
Bourbon St. at arm's length at Royal Sonesta
Lounging next to the quiet courtyard pool of the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, it's hard to believe you're only a few feet away from the often-chaotic scene that is Bourbon Street.
Spiritual sites, natural wonders in Indonesia
Clad in gas masks and headlamps, dozens of people wound their way through the darkness down the rocky path, their headlamps highlighting the sulfuric smoke that billowed out between yellow rocks. Below them, an eerie, blue glow could be seen emanating from the base of the crater, the product of a small flame emitted by constantly burning sulfur deposits.
ANA launches Tokyo Haneda flights from New York, Chicago
TOKYO -- ANA has launched daily flights from New York and Chicago to Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The new routes join ANA's existing Haneda flights from Los Angeles, Vancouver and Honolulu, in addition to flights to Tokyo's Narita Airport from nine other U.S. cities. In an interview, ANA executive vice president Yutaka Ito highlighted the convenience of flying into Haneda over the more remote Narita, saying that travelers flying into Haneda can be in downtown Tokyo in less than 30 minutes.
Charm, passion on countryside trek
While it would be easy to spend a week lounging on the white-sand beaches of Cayo Coco and the adjacent Cayo Guillermo, I was eager to see a bit of Cuba's countryside. So I rented a car and drove across the causeway to mainland Cuba on my way to Sancti Spiritus, a pretty colonial town with cobblestone streets that has much of the same charm that nearby Trinidad is known for but without the crowds of tourists.
Imperial Hotel: Traditional service in the heart of Tokyo
It seems that there's a little bit of history around every corner in Tokyo's iconic Imperial Hotel.There are the architectural touches of Frank Lloyd Wright, who redesigned the hotel in the 1920s, found throughout the building.
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