ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
January • 2024
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER ADVERTORIAL
Unlocking Winter Fun:
Weekend Getaways in MetroWest Boston There is nothing like a weekend getaway to shake off the post-holiday blues and add a splash of fun to the darker days of winter. A short drive from New York City, MetroWest Boston has so much to offer, from girls’ weekends and romantic getaways to family fun. Read on for three different itineraries that will put a smile on your face and a pep in your step this January. Want a Girls’ or Guys’ Weekend away? Start with a libations tour— MetroWest has 14 breweries, two cideries, a winery, and a distillery! Be sure to visit Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers or GlenPharmer Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Or perhaps Cold Harbor Brewing at their fabulous new restaurant, where you can enjoy live entertainment as you sip. Afterward, head to Level99 for their unique take on mental and physical escape rooms and challenges, or get a little aggression out with axe-throwing at Half-Axe. Like military history? The American
Heritage Museum’s immersive exhibits cover 250 years of world history, featuring antique planes, tanks, and automobiles, plus fascinating stories of veterans from WWI to today. Book your hotel in Franklin or Milford, MA, for a quick drive to Plainridge Park Casino, or take in the great outdoors with some cross-country skiing or ice fishing…with eight state park recreation areas in the region, there is plenty to do outdoors, even in the dead of winter! Prefer your getaway to be of the romantic variety? Relax and indulge with a couple’s massage at one of the region’s spas or a fabulous play or special event at Hopkinton Center for the Arts or atac: downtown arts + music. Be sure to visit the Danforth Art Museum, a jewel box housing 3,500+ art pieces from the 18th century to today. Plus, nothing says romance like amazing chocolate, and no chocolate is more amazing than that at Goodnow Farms, winner of more International
Chocolate Awards than any other maker in North America. Visit their Sudbury location to see chocolate-making at the source and experience for yourself what makes them such a winner. Love fantastic food? MetroWest’s many farm-to-table restaurants offer warm atmospheres, exceptional service, and delightful gastronomy! Or indulge in Framingham Station Brazilian Steakhouse’s unique dining experience: this Rodizio-style grill includes Gaucho Chefs who carve meat from skewers tableside, accompanied by side dishes and salads, all served in a historic train station that will definitely impress your loved one. Finish off your visit with a wander through one of the region’s four Cultural Districts and a glorious concert by Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, which offers wonderful jazz, chamber, and symphony performances throughout the year. Looking to entertain the fam? From JamTime and the Discovery Museum to arts and crafts
DANFORTH ART MUSEUM © COURTESY OF METROWEST VISITORS BUREAU
offerings and Southwick Zoo, we have lots to amuse the littles. Are your littles not so little anymore? Enjoy Apex’s indoor amusement park, with laser tag, go-carts, ropes courses, bowling, and more, or let them get a LOT of energy out at Stive Ninja, Urban Air, Altitude or Launch trampoline parks. Find they’re swinging from the rafters? Try an aerial class at Earth & Aerial Yoga. Or maybe make something
delicious in a Duck Soup or Culinary Underground cooking class. And, of course, check out the many family-friendly events on our online events calendar! Whatever your reason, whatever the season, MetroWest Boston has something for you! To plan your next adventure, download our free visitor's guide at metrowestvisitors.org/guide
Pioneering Sustainable Luxury Travel with Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Hydrogen-powered superyachts may be the future of luxury travel. In a historic stride towards sustainable luxury travel, MASK Architects, an international firm renowned for its innovative designs, has unveiled the ONYX H2-BO 85. This magnificent 85-meter-long superyacht is powered by an ingenious onboard hydrogen production system derived from seawater. Representing a significant breakthrough in environmentally conscious cruising, it harnesses a fusion of electrolysis and hydroelectric turbines to provide a sustainable power solution for short distances, all while minimizing its ecological impact.
REVOLUTIONARY CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION At the heart of this superyacht lies a groundbreaking approach to clean energy production. Hydroelectric turbines, adept at capturing kinetic energy from the surrounding water, outshine
SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY
© REUTERS/MASK/COVER IMAGES
traditional generators in energy efficiency. This pioneering technology enables the ONYX H2-BO 85 to not only generate but also store hydrogen onboard, eliminating the need for extensive fuel reserves. This ensures readily available energy for low-speed sailing or anchoring, transforming the superyacht into a beacon of sustainable luxury.
What truly sets the ONYX H2BO 85 apart is its commitment to preserving the marine environment. This remarkable vessel emits no harmful gases locally, thus significantly enhancing the ecosystems it gracefully traverses. By substantially reducing its ecological footprint, it is a testament to the potential of green technology in the maritime industry.
The unveiling of the ONYX H2BO 85 is a direct response to the maritime industry's growing focus on sustainability and emission reduction. It establishes an extraordinary precedent as the world's first superyacht powered by its own hydrogen production. By diminishing the yacht's dependence on fossil fuels, it not only contributes to a cleaner marine environment but also promises substantial long-term cost savings. This becomes particularly significant in the face of escalating fuel prices juxtaposed against stable hydropower costs. Beyond its groundbreaking propulsion system, the ONYX H2BO 85 offers passengers an opulent and eco-conscious onboard experience. From its sumptuous cabins to lavish lounges, each space exudes modern elegance, boasting bespoke design solutions. Renowned interior
designers have meticulously curated every detail, seamlessly blending refined material palettes, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable elements to create an inviting and environmentally conscious ambiance. The ONYX H2-BO 85 stands as a testament to the limitless potential of sustainable technology in the luxury travel sector. Its innovative approach to clean energy production and unwavering commitment to environmental preservation marks a new era in superyacht design. As the world seeks increasingly eco-conscious solutions, this hydrogen-powered marvel paves the way for a future where luxury and sustainability merge seamlessly on the open seas. With its trailblazing advancements, the ONYX H2-BO 85 hints at a future where eco-friendly superyachts are the norm rather than the exception. (Source: Cover Media via Reuters Connect)
ADVERTORIAL
Leave Hibernation Behind in Hampshire County— The Other Side of Massachusetts If winter blues are getting you down, it’s time to plan a getaway that will show you all the best winter weather has to offer—and Hampshire County in the western part of Massachusetts is just the ticket. With an enticing tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, this New England gem is a charming getaway any time of year. From the historic Inn on Boltwood in Amherst to the vibrant arts scene and eclectic dining options in Northampton, this region has something for everyone.
WAKE UP TO WINTER
Lace up your boots and cozy up in winter layers—Hampshire County in the winter is all about braving the elements to enjoy the best of the season. From snowshoeing at the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown to dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Clay Hill Farm in Chesterfield, there is no shortage of places to "chill" in Hampshire County. When it's time to warm
up, there's no better place to do it than the historic Inn on Boltwood. Since 1926, the Inn on Boltwood has been a cherished landmark in Western Massachusetts. With 49 unique guest rooms, each blending modern comforts with historic charm, the Inn provides a truly distinctive accommodation experience. From pillow-top mattresses to high thread-count linens, no detail is overlooked. As a bonus, staying here means proximity to 30Boltwood, where farm-to-table cuisine and masterfully crafted cocktails will make it a meal to remember. As winter turns to spring, witness a new world of adventure, from sidewalk festivals to hiking and biking trails that show off lush views of this gorgeous region.
ESCAPE TO THE CITY
The cities of Hampshire County boast vibrant, intellectual hubs full of things to do, see, and learn. Music lovers will find their rhythm in Northampton's vibrant performing arts scene at places
SERVING UP GOODNESS
CLAY HILL FARM, CHESTERFIELD
like The Parlor Room, an intimate space where diverse audiences come together to experience the magic of live music. The Drake, a world-class venue in downtown Amherst, hosts an impeccably curated lineup of equally impressive legendary and emerging musical artists, while the Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity in Florence showcases diverse musicians and performance artists from all over the globe. Art enthusiasts will be inspired by the many museums, theaters, and galleries, like the R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton, housed in a historic bank
© LYNNE GRAVES PHOTOGRAPHY
building (visit the vault to view original Dr. Seuss drawings). At The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich collection of picture-book illustrations and the enchanting world of children's literature—this slice of New England makes museums fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, the Emily Dickinson Museum provides a glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most beloved poets. Set in the poet's historic homestead, this museum invites visitors to explore the spaces that inspired Dickinson's timeless verses.
When it's time to savor the local cuisine, you'll be spoiled for choice. The Florence Pie Bar serves up delightful pie creations and other locally sourced baked goods. Osteria Vespa offers a taste of Northern Italy, while Calico presents dishes inspired by cuisine from around the world, using fresh local ingredients. The options don’t stop when nighttime rolls around—did you know that Western Massachusetts is home to over one-third of the state's breweries? Whether you're in the mood for a pint or a cocktail, local favorites include Tellus & the Satellite Bar in Northampton, an allin-one gastropub, pizzeria, bar, and part-time nightclub, and Protocol in downtown Amherst, where good drinks meet good vibes. There’s no need to hibernate the winter season away when there is so much to do and explore in nearby Hampshire County, on the other side of Massachusetts! Go to visithampshirecounty.com to plan your getaway.
