Burlington, Vermont and Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Burlington, Vermont, with a population of under 50,000, is an eminantly walkable and enjoyable city. We reached it by taking a choppy ferry ride across Lake Champlain, which forms Burlington's western border.
                                                                             

Really enjoyed strolling the pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace, filled with interesting boutiques and a variety of restaurants.

We enjoyed the drive east from Vermont, taking in views of the beautiful Green Mountains. The further we drove into New Hampshire, the more spectacular the change of color became. By the time we reached the Omni Mount Washington resort at Bretton Woods, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains, the scenery was absolutely stunning.

The resort, built in 1902, has hosted countless celebrities and, in 1944, was the forum for an international monetary conference which created the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

                                                                                                                                                         

            The Mount Washington Cog Railway, transporting tourists near the 6,288 foot summit.

Quebec!

Old Quebec, its labyrinthian streets beckoning behind mammoth stone walls, is one of our favorite places in the world. No other location in North American reminds us so much of Europe. The French language, omnipresent floral displays (perhaps not in winter!), parks, cuisine, and culture always strike us as unique and enchanting.

                                  Above is an historical mural, and very popular with tourists

                                                                             

A view of the St. Lawrence

The huge city walls, declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the only such fortifications which remain in North America.

The Chateau Frontenac, said to be the most photographed location in North America, gracefully looms over the city and the adjacent boardwalk offers stellar views of the beautiful St. Lawrence river.
                                   

                                                                           

Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec is one of the oldest cities in North America. The 'upper town' is connected to 'lower town' by a convenient funicular and a variety of restaurants and independent shops line every cobbled street.

Canandaigua and Lake Saranac, New York

The Morgan Samuels Inn in Canandaigua is a little gem of a B&B housed in a stone mansion that was built in 1810. Set on five acres of countryside, it offers beautiful gardens and several outdoor patios. Meals are a real treat as they pride themselves on offering fine cuisine.

We continued onward to The Point at Lake Saranac, one of our favorite properties. Erected by William Avery Rockefeller more than a century ago, the resort offers terrific service, food, and accomodations. Stellar views of Upper Lake Saranac complete the picture.

The Boathouse is perhaps the nicest guesthouse of all.

                                                                               

Meals may be taken in the room, a communal dining hall, or private islands. Evenings may be enjoyed with other guests around a campfire with, of course, a nearby fully-stocked bar.