Articles Tagged "Local landmarks"

As leaves and temperatures drop, are you beginning to feel that irresistible pull to the mountains? It's time for another incredible winter ski season, and our real estate agents share the projected opening dates for your favorite slopes around New England.

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There's a reason people flock from all over the country to enjoy the views a Northern New England fall has to offer. Experience the wonder and beauty for yourself when you view fall colors on these New England hiking trails recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Pawtuckaway State Park - 7 Pawtuckaway Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290
  With 15 miles of trails crisscrossing the 5,500-acre grounds, Pawtuckaway State Park has something different to offer with every visit. Many visitors head to South Mountain, where a moderate 2.4-mile hike to the summit leads to a fire tower with spectacular panoramic views. Another favorite is Boulder Field, created when glaciers melted at the end of the Ice Age. The boulders are large enough for rock climbers to use them for practice. Animal lovers should check out Fundy Trail, bordering on Burnham's Marsh, where wildlife frequently makes an appearance. The pet-friendly park is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 6-11.
  
  
• Rattlesnake Mountain - Raymond, ME 04071
  Don't be frightened off by the name. Rattlesnake Mountain is actually known as a top family-friendly hiking spot. Thanks to its location in Maine's Lakes Region, you'll have wonderful views of Crescent Lake, Panther Pond, and Sebago Lake along the 2.5-mile trail. The Huntress family maintains the well-marked trail, named Bri-Mar in honor of Brian and Marlene Huntress. Stop at the nearby Good Life Market before or after your hike for some delicious grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Hours are sunrise to sunset daily.
  
  
• Little River Community Trail - 7 Perkins Rd., Belfast, ME 04915
  What's better than enjoying the fall foliage in Northern New England? Adding water views to this picturesque scene! The Little River Community Trail in Belfast is a moderate trail where you'll crisscross the forest while being near a lake and the Little River. With a total of 5 miles in distance, the trail is great for an intermediate hike and stunning views. Dogs are allowed to accompany you on your hike as well! 
  
  
• Falling Waters Trail - White Mountain National Forest, Lincoln, NH 03251
  While it's considered a challenging hike, the natural wonders promised by the name make Falling Waters Trail well worth the effort. The 5.6-mile trail, which leads to the summit of Little Haystack Mountain, passes three waterfalls along the way. First is Stairs Falls, with the 60-foot drop of Swiftwater Falls a few hundred feet above. Then it's on to the main event, Cloudland Falls, an Instagram-worthy 80-foot cascade into a classic horsetail. Leashed dogs are welcome. 
  
  
• Sterling Pond Trail - Smugglers' Notch State Park, 6443 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT 05672
  The name of the park conjures up visions of Prohibition-era rumrunners, but hiking Sterling Pond Trail is a refreshingly wholesome activity. The 2.3-mile pet-friendly trail takes about 90 minutes to complete, making it a great choice for a relatively quick outing. Enjoy a delightful perspective on fall colors with the trees reflected in the waters of the placid mountain-top pond. If you want a longer hike, Long Trails North and South branch out just past the pond, both of which lead to stunning mountain views. Entrance fees are $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 4-13.
  
  
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park - Woodstock, VT 05091
  The name "Woodstock" is famously associated with another outdoor area in upstate New York, but Vermont's Woodstock is noteworthy in its own right. Referred to as the "quintessential New England village," Woodstock is one of the best places to view fall foliage, especially at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Nearly three dozen pet-friendly trails, ranging from easy to difficult, comprise part of the 30-mile Walk Woodstock network, which connects the park to the town center along with meadows, woodlands, and other scenic areas. Park hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Admission is free.
  
  
• Shelburne Farms - 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482
  At the turn of the 20th century, William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb consolidated 32 farms into a massive agricultural estate called Shelburne Farms. In 1984, the Webb family donated the property to a non-profit organization that now runs it as a public facility to promote education and awareness of sustainable food practices. The site was named a National Historic Landmark in 2001, and the campus includes 10 miles of trails with splendid views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Don't miss the Formal Gardens, a personal project created by Lila Webb that's situated on a bluff overlooking the lake. Hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. There is no admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

Find out why each season in New England has its own special delights. Contact us at The Masiello Group for experienced and dedicated help with all your real estate needs.

Summer in Northern New England is always an enjoyable time. And an evening spent on the baseball diamond makes the summer season even more memorable.

Our real estate agents share what makes them so passionate about the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, our region's minor league team.

Team History and Highlights

It may be hard to believe now, but by the time the 2000s rolled around, professional baseball had yet to establish a presence in New Hampshire. A new era was born in 2003 when Drew Weber bought the New Haven (CT) Ravens and moved them to Manchester. 

Management turned the naming situation into a public relations opportunity by conducting a "Name the Team" promotion. Fisher Cats, a nod to the furry forest-dwelling mammal, ultimately won out over Millers, Mountain Men, and Granite.

In July 2008, the Fisher Cats had the honor of hosting the Eastern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. The Midsummer Classic returned to Manchester in 2011 and again in 2017, celebrating the million-dollar renovation of Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Since 2004, nearly 150 Fisher Cats have gone on to play in the major leagues. This illustrious group includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette, second-generation players who were the most highly anticipated rookies of recent years.

The Fisher Cats' significance to New Hampshire goes beyond sports and entertainment. In addition to maintaining partnerships with Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Ted Williams Museum, the team has conducted numerous fundraising activities over the years, resulting in millions of dollars in charitable contributions. 

Affiliations and Titles

The Fisher Cats are a Double-A team in the Northeast Division of the Eastern League. In their previous existence as the New Haven Ravens, the team went through affiliations with the Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals, earning a single league championship in 2000.

Since moving to Manchester, the team has been affiliated with the American League's Toronto Blue Jays. The team has claimed three division titles, in 2003, 2004, and 2011, along with league championships in 2004, 2008, and 2011.

Northeast Delta Dental Stadium

During the inaugural season in 2004, they played their home games in Gill Stadium, one of the oldest concrete-and-steel ballparks in the country. But that was just a temporary home, as they moved to the newly constructed Fisher Cats Stadium the following year. 

Known for a time as Merchantsauto.com Stadium, the venue gained its current name thanks to a partnership with Northwest Delta Dental, a major insurance company. The stadium features an open concourse design that lets fans keep an eye on the game wherever they are.

Here are some of the modern amenities that make Northeast Delta Dental Stadium such a popular destination:

• Seating capacity is 6,500, more than double that of Gill Stadium. The park really stretched its limits on May 26, 2009, when a record crowd of 8,903 came to watch Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz make a rehab start with the Portland Sea Dogs.
  
  
• The venue is the only ballpark in the country that shares its location with a hotel. Out-of-town visitors can enjoy the convenience of the Hilton Garden Inn, situated just past the stadium's outfield.
  
  
• With its great view overlooking left field, Samuel Adams Brewhouse is the place to be. Open two hours before game time, the full-service restaurant includes an 85-foot mahogany bar, 11 high-definition LCD TVs, and a made-to-order menu. The Tiki Bar Stage hosts live music every Thursday through Saturday.
  
  
• The upper level holds 32 luxury suites. Perks include a basic food and beverage package, individual climate control, two VIP parking passes, and a visit from either Fungo or Slider, the team's mascots. Having a work function or other large gathering? There are two private 100-person party decks behind first and third bases.
  
  
• Dinner on Deck is an exclusive section right alongside the field with four 4-person tables. Guests enjoy table service, complimentary drinks, and snacks, and VIP parking passes.

Promotions and Giveaways

In minor league baseball, nearly every game is a special event, which is one of the reasons why it's such a family-friendly activity. Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming promotions and giveaways:

• Monday, July 4 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Hartford Yard Goats - Independence Day Fireworks
  
  
• Friday, July 22 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Portland Sea Dogs - Christmas in July, with a Christmas socks giveaway
  
  
• Friday, August 5 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels - Sumo Wrestling Night
  
  
• Sunday, August 14 @ 1:35 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves - Puzzle Day, with a 3D stadium puzzle giveaway

Individual tickets range from $10-$16, with a $2 discount for advance purchase.

Ready to round the bases and head for your new Northern New England home? Contact us at The Masiello Group to get started.

Maine's covered bridges have been a subject of affection for countless photographers, artists, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts for many decades, thanks to their quaint, historic charm. There are a total of 8 covered bridges dotting the gorgeous natural landscapes of Maine, each with its own unique character, construction, and story. Planning a trip to see Maine's covered bridges is a great way to get to know the state, and our real estate agents have some interesting facts to shed light on the history of each of the 8 bridges.

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Did you know that America's first commercial railway opened in Massachusetts in 1826? Today, railroads take a back seat to airplanes, but their legacy lives on through rail routes that have been repurposed for hiking and biking. During the winter months, these trails make excellent places for snowshoeing and winter biking. Our real estate agents love the incredible perspective on Northern New England found in traveling these amazing rail trails throughout the region.

Northern New England Rail Trails

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With the start of the holiday season so close at hand, you're probably already thinking about how you're going to get all your holiday shopping done. This year, our real estate agents have challenged themselves to do what they can to help the small businesses that make every community a better place to live. Want to join them in their support of local entrepreneurs? Here are seven ideas to get you started.

Tips for Supporting Local Businesses During the 2021 Holiday Season 

• Chat with the Owners 
  When big businesses get so much of the local economy's market share, it's easy for local shop owners to begin to feel underappreciated. Take a few minutes to stop and talk with the owner of the store you are visiting. That person will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture, and you'll get a chance to learn more about their wares and what makes them special. You may not be aware of some of the small details that make their products special – for instance, maybe their café makes all of its food items with locally sourced ingredients.  
  
  Talking with the owner may also open doors for you if you discover they do not currently stock the product you were looking for. Many shop owners are happy to do the legwork of finding and ordering specific products for patrons if they know someone is interested in those items.  
  
  
• Look for Local Alternatives 
  Many of the items on your friends' wishlists are probably available from local retailers. They may not carry the exact item that was requested, but if you know the recipient isn't typically concerned with brands, you might be able to find a great substitute from a quality local producer instead. Stick to the spirit of everyone's gift requests instead of trying to follow them to the letter, and you'll end up with nicer gifts while also injecting money into your local economy. 
  
  
• Speak Up for Small Business 
  Instead of buying from a small retailer yourself, spread the word about these businesses to people who do have a holiday budget they want to spend. Recommend small local shops to your friends and family, and consider leaving the business a good review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Every bit of good publicity helps these small businesses grow their customer base and stay profitable.  
  
  
• Don't Forget About Food 
  Even if you aren't buying many presents this year, chances are good that you're still planning to have something special to eat during the holiday season. If so, remember that local retailers carry food too! Whether you're cooking a full festive dinner or just want a few small treats to indulge in, there is probably a butcher, cheesemaker, vineyard, confectioner, or other local business that sells what you need. As a bonus, their wares are probably much higher quality than what you would get at your neighborhood grocery store. The premium flavors and textures will add a little extra magic to your holiday table.  
  
  
• Shop Based on Your Values 
  Shopping local is an excellent opportunity to use your money to support the outcomes you want to see in the world. Many small businesses partner with local charities to raise money or organize important local events, so you can buy from a shop that is affiliated with a cause that is near and dear to your heart.  
  
  
• Look for Extended Deals 
  Small businesses know they are competing with many other retailers to win your dollars. To make shopping at their locations more attractive, many extend their Black Friday deals for longer than bigger stores do. You can often get excellent prices on all kinds of items well into December, making it easier to fit the cost of shopping local into your budget.
  
  It is still a good idea to shop as early as possible, though – unlike their competition, small retailers may not have a regularly updated Facebook page or website that you could use to find out when these promotions end. If you don't want to miss out, don't wait.
  
  
• Look for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Gifts 
  Local retailers rarely stick to selling the same old merchandise you could get from the big box store down the street. Instead, many of them pair up with local creatives to sell hand-crafted items you won't find anywhere else. Buying a handmade necklace, scented candle, or piece of furniture not only supports two local independent businesses at the same time – but it also gets you an incredibly unique gift that your loved ones are sure to treasure.  

Once you've experienced the magic of shopping local around the holidays, this practice is sure to become a household tradition for your family. Do your part to support your local economy today, and if you have an imminent move on the horizon, don't fret. Contact us for help finding a home and getting settled into your new community.  

Tired of the fast-paced anonymity and concrete jungles of urban living? According to our real estate agents, these cozy and picturesque New England towns prove that bigger isn't always better. Here's what you can expect when living in these Northern New England small towns.

Small Town Living in New England

Woodstock, VT

The name Woodstock conjures up visions of natural beauty and peaceful serenity. Woodstock was chartered in 1761, predating the Declaration of Independence by 15 years, and became known as a home for artisans and craftspeople.

• Get a look at the actual operation of a working dairy farm at Billings Farm & Museum, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
  
  
• Woodstock Farmers' Market offers a year-round bounty of locally sourced produce, meat, baked goods, and specialty foods. Shop on-site or online for curbside pickup.
  
  
• Collective is a cooperatively-owned, member-run craft gallery that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit found in Woodstock.

Franconia, NH

Thanks to its cozy location in the White Mountains, Franconia boasts impressive spring and summer scenery that gains additional appeal with the arrival of fall colors. Winter brings opportunities for some of the best skiing, ice climbing, and other cold-weather activities.

• Iconic American poet Robert Frost found great inspiration in the beauty of Franconia. Walk the grounds and sit on the front porch of the Frost Place, his cherished homestead.
  
  
• While the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation is no more, Franconia Notch State Park is still full of attractions and activities. Swim in Echo Lake, hike the Appalachian Trail and ride the tramway up Cannon Mountain.
  
  
• New England Ski Museum hosts permanent and visiting exhibits sharing the story of skiing in America, including the important role Franconia played in its development.

Camden, ME

Situated alongside Penobscot Bay, Camden has a rich history to go with its beautiful setting. The town served as a rendezvous point and encampment for American forces during the Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, an artillery battery atop Mount Battle served an important strategic purpose.

• The High Street Historic District retains the same charming character it had as a 19th-century residential area, earning the district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
  
  
• Since 1991, Camden's popular Snow Bowl has been the site of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. The event was inspired by the rebuilding of the town's historic 400-foot wood toboggan chute, which was originally constructed in the 1930s.
  
  
• Kids and adults alike are delighted by the sight of the Belted Galloway cattle at Aldermere Farm. "Belties," first bred in Scotland, are known for their distinctive stripes that resemble an Oreo cookie.

Stowe, VT

Stowe brings some European flavor to the New England countryside. That's only one of the features that led Travel + Leisure to name Stowe one of the "11 Best Small Towns in America."

• Of course, Trapp Family Lodge tops the list of must-see attractions in Stowe. The surrounding mountains make a picture-perfect backdrop for the Austrian-inspired resort that offers rooms, suites, and villas for rent. 
  
  
• Stowe earned the nickname of "Ski Capital of the East" due to places like Stowe Mountain Resort, which combines a wide range of activities at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
  
  
• Explore your own creative side at The Current. This historic facility is a gallery showcasing all visual arts and a studio providing hands-on experiences for participants.

Albany, NH

Covered bridges, such as the 129-foot long bridge spanning the Swift River in Albany, are a classic and beloved feature of New England's back roads. Albany also serves as the gateway to the Mount Washington Valley, based around the highest peak in the Northeast United States.

• View one of the more incredible examples of New England's legendary fall foliage on a drive along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Affectionately known as the "Kanc," the 34-mile byway passes through the White Mountain National Forest.
  
  
• The Russell-Colbath House, largely restored to its original state, provides a fascinating insight into life in the mountain valley back in the mid-19th century. 
  
  
• Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the Nature Learning Center at Rockwell Sanctuary. Hike the many trails on the 138-acre grounds or participate in one of Tin Mountain Conservation Center's programs and events. 

Bar Harbor, ME

Island living doesn't have to mean remote. Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England town located on Mount Desert Island, the largest of the islands off the coast of Hancock County.

• It's easy to see why Acadia National Park attracts more than three million visitors annually, making it one of the top ten most-visited parks in the country.
  
  
• You don't have to be a car buff to enjoy the antique autos and motorcycles on display at Seal Cove Auto Museum.
  
  
• No matter what your skill level is, you can express your creative spirit in sculpture, figure drawing, and painting activities at ArtWave. 

While we love everything New England has to offer, there's something extra special about the area's small towns. Contact us at The Masiello Group to learn more about finding your dream home here in Northern New England.

With so many people working from home this year, many professionals are taking advantage of the opportunity to relocate. As Americans continue to move from big cities, Zoom Towns are becoming an increasingly popular place to work. These Zoom Towns are often summer vacation spots or retirement locations that are suddenly more accessible now that so many people are free of location-dependent jobs.

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Surrounded by rugged forests and overlooked by a towering statue of mythic lumberjack Paul Bunyan, the city of Bangor is a cultural hub in Maine. It's a remarkable place, and our Bangor real estate agents are grateful to call it home.

Whether you're looking for homes for sale in Bangor or planning a short visit, be prepared for an experience you won't forget. Here's what you can expect in Bangor:

Explore Bangor History

Bangor was home to more than 300 sawmills in the 1830s, making it the unofficial "Lumber Capital of the World." Today, Bangor's storied past is visible everywhere, from the mansions along Broadway that were built from local timber in the 19th century, to the statue of Paul Bunyan that stands watch over Main Street and hearkens back to Maine's lumbering past. 

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Our Quechee real estate agents know that a terrific experience with a real estate firm is your "bridge" to the home you've always wanted. Anyone of our many Quechee homes for sale could be your dream home – all you have to do is visit us.

Vermont's covered bridges are genuinely outstanding. As you journey around Windsor County and beyond, you can find more than one hundred sprinkled throughout the state. When you're looking for homes, you should take time to see the picturesque beauty of these local landmarks!

These marvelous curiosities each have a long history and a story to tell.

One of the most interesting covered bridges of all is the Quechee covered bridge.

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