Northeastern States

Places to Go: New Food Fest

CLINTON - Work up an appetite while shopping at the 70+ outlet stores in Clinton Premium Outlets as it hosts a brand new two-day family-friendly food festival. On July 24 and 25, taste a great selection of mouth-watering entrees from more than 25 of the area’s top food trucks! Sit and enjoy a craft brew while listening to the live music provided by the Houston Bernard Band at the spacious beer garden Saturday and AM Gold Yacht Rock performing Sunday.

This is Middlesex County’s newest, most exciting, Food Truck & Music Festival titled The First Annual Clinton Food Festival! Hours will be noon to 9 p.m. Saturday andnoon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

While participating, you will be eating for a great cause! A portion of proceeds from the Clinton Food Festival will benefit the Simon Youth Foundation. SYF is committed to helping students graduate. SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education.

General Admission for the entire weekend of the Clinton Food Fest is $10 in advance and $15 on event day. Individual day tickets are$7. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult. Advance tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ clinton-food-festival-2021-tickets-155748021525. Free parking will be available.

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Places to Go: Constitution Yards

If you want live entertainment, a festive outdoor atmosphere, and unique adventure with your dining experience, you have come to the right place. Located on the Christina Riverfront, Constitution Yards Beer Garden provides all of the above. Classic handcrafted BBQ fare from 10th Street Barbecue compliments an ever changing rotation of craft beers, seasonal specialty cocktails, and wine. Eat, drink and relax while you listen to the live music provided on Friday and Saturday or watch your favorite sports team on the big screen. If it’s adventure or friendly competition you are looking for, get into the action at Wilmo Axe.

Experience the thrill of throwing a real axe at targets - bring your friends for a night out, or take your corporate event to the next level! Wilmo Axes is offered hourly for small groups, as well as private lane rentals for a more exclusive experience.

Several special performers are on the schedule on July weekends during the dining hours of 6-9 p.m. Kick Back will be on stage July 9 The Peter McCarthy Group will perform July 10. The next weekend is the Jared Lashbrook Trio and Just Because. See Lyric Drive July 23 and Bucket of ot on July 30. Weekend performances are scheduled through September 25 and details may be found online at http://www.constitutionyards.com/summer-schedule.

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Places to Go Am Island Getaway

PORTLAND - Tucked away on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, The Inn at Diamond Cove offers a Maine Island getaway that’s free from crowds and full of outdoor fun. Just a 30-minute ferry or water taxi ride from Portland’s Old Port district, the historic Inn is the centerpiece of Diamond Cove, a small car-free private island community that was once the site of Fort McKinley. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, The Inn at Diamond Cove offers luxury island condominiums including spacious suites with kitchens, a heated swimming pool with hot tub and cabana bar, and recreational amenities including tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, and game room with duckpin bowling, pool table, and arcade games. Guests will also enjoy secluded beaches, miles of hiking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding and other activities perfect for families and couples looking for a summer escape off the beaten path.

Great Diamond Island is not accessible from the mainland by car and primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. Visitors arrive by ferry, water taxi, or private boat and have access to a full-service marina. Guests will be picked up at the marina in golf carts upon arrival. There is a minimum three-night-stay. Longer term stays are welcome. Café breakfast is served at the Inn featuring Starbucks coffee and beverages, lunch is grab-ngo, and a Bar menu is available in the evenings. Guests are invited to experience waterfront dining at Diamond’s Edge featuring a dinner menu of Rooted Coastal Cuisine. Housed in the former Quartermaster’s storehouse overlooking Diamond Cove (“Cocktail Cove” as the locals call it), Diamond’s Edge offers waterfront dining for a relaxing dinner featuring local seafood, New England favorites, and amazing views. Guests may choose to dine in the dining room or on the deck or lawn, when the weather is right. Diamond’s Edge Restaurant is located steps away from the full-service marina accommodating large sailboats and motor boats. For reservations call 207.766.5850 or visit diamondsedgerestaurantandmarina.com.

The Inn at Diamond Cove is managed by Colwen Hotels. Colwen’s portfolio features over 35 successful hotels and resorts in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida. Colwen strategically develops properties in emerging markets and mixed-use redevelopments. The company is committed to local communities and charities, LEED- certified sustainability,

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Asian, Korean, Japanese, Fusion

LAVALE - Ginger’s Asian Kitchen serves delicious Korean and Japanese cuisine in the heart of Western Maryland. Ginger’s uses only the freshest ingredients to prepare your meal. Lunch and dinner menus include Rice Bowls, Entrees, Bento Box Combinations, Wok Fried Noodles, Udon Soup Noodles and a list of extras. Catering and take out are available.

Ginger’s Asian kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in the “narrows” of beautiful LaVale. Ginger’s Asian Kitchen is the creation of Daniel and Jane Rhee. They fell in love with Cumberland when visiting in 2004, it’s lush green landscape reminded them of home. Their son-in-law Mike, craving their food, convinced them that a Japenese-Korean restaurant was just what Allegany County needed.

The Rhees immigrated to the US in 1977 and settled in Portland, Oregon. Their family has been in restaurant business for over 30 years, owning a Mongolian grill, sushi bar, Korean restaurant, hamburger joint, and a pizza shop. All of their restaurants are still in operation today.

Ginger’s Asian Kitchen is commited to using only natural and fresh ingredients. Over the years, they have perfected their sauces and marinades and every cut of meat is handtrimmed by Daniel. The teriyaki sauce is slow-brewed for 7 hours and their famous salad dressing is made in-house. The Rhees take pride in sharing their families dishes with you and look forward to the years to come.

Ginger’s menu is also available “TO GO.” Enjoy a meal at Ginger’s, and experience why people come back again and again.

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SPRINGFIELD - This landmark since 1935 began as a bar and booth area with approximately 20 beer steins on the wall.

The dining room was added in 1946 and a young gentleman named Rupprecht Scherff began working at there in 1949. After he became the owner in 1961, Rupprecht became the heart and soul of the restaurant until his death in 1996, During that time the Student Prince and Fort Restaurant became a local institution and the stein collection grew to be one of the largest in the United States. The Scherff family continued to operate the restaurant until 2014.

Over the years, the Student Prince has represented different things to different people. It has been a hub for business and politics, a spot for power lunches, fundraisers and deal making. For many families, it’s a long-standing tradition associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations and other special occasions. No matter what their history with the restaurant, the Student Prince has always occupied a special place in the hearts of its customers.

In 2014, Rudi Scherff announced that he was closing the legendary restaurant. A group of local business owners, led by Peter Picknelly, stepped up to save it. With the blessing and participation of the Scherff family, they made some upgrades and improvements while still honoring its proud legacy and hope the tradition of the Student Prince will continue for generations to come.

Today, under the leadership of Executive Chef Orlando Carrasquillo and general manager, Bill Porter, enjoy live music during the Sommer Festival on Fort Street. Fred Marion will perform July 7 and Kyle Langlois will perform July 8. Both concerts will last from 6-9 p.m.

Indoor or outdoor service for delectable, made-from-scratch German fare. is available daily starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy Nuremberg Sausage, Potato Pancakes, Vichyssoise Soup, Schnitzel, Stuffed Veal Steak, Hungarian Goulash, Bratwurst, Filet Mignon Rossini, Lamb Shanks, Broiled Boston Scrod and Chicken Paprika. All entrees are served with a choice of two sides, which is a difficult choice when your options are German Potato Salad, French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut, salads and more. Gluten free and vegetarian entrees are also available. For more information, visit https://www.studentprince.com/ http://www.studentprince.com/

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21st Annual Chocolate Fest

It is everything you have ever wanted. Enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square accompanied by a free outdoor concert as the sun sets! Pack a picnic or just bring a bottle of your favorite red or white libation and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square, on a blanket, or with your toes in the sand!

This year’s event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on July 31 at the Waterville Valley Town Square. The Michael Vincent Band will hit the Gazebo stage in Town Square for some great live entertainment during the festival.

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, is a four-season resort set in the White Mountain National Forest, just 2 hours north of Boston. In summer, Waterville Valley offers award-winning clay tennis courts, historic 9-hole golf course, miles of mountain bike trails, road cycling, arts and cultural activities, an indoor ice arena, boating, and a skateboard park. There is a pond for swimming and fishing, and activities and programs for children and the whole family at the Curious George Cottage and Town’s Recreation Center. Waterville Valley is home to the nation’s first network of hiking trails. Discover 19 peaks, 57 natural features and 48 trails covering 125 miles of White Mountains terrain. Lodging choices include traditional inns and all-suite hotels, and dining options range from family-friendly favorites to elegant eateries.

For more information call 800-468-2553 or visit www. waterville.com.

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The New Jersey State Barbecue ChampionshipSM is slated for July 9-11 at the 2nd & Olde New Jersey Avenues in the North Wildwood Entertainment District.. It is an openair festival featuring championship barbecue competition; live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. Indulge in mouthwatering ribs, chicken, brisket and pork while enjoying some of the best Blues music at the Jersey Shore

The Anglesea Blues FestivalSM features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue ChampionshipSM . Throughout the weekend, free live entertainment is featured on the outdoor main stage, as well as additional acts in neighboring establishments.

On Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. and will include an open air market, a kids-Q and best desserts contest

The championship competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the world’s largest association of barbecue enthusiasts. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The competition is officiated by representatives of KCBS and a panel of volunteer judges, certified in the art and science of judging competitive barbecue. The Grand Champion of the New Jersey State Barbecue ChampionshipSM is eligible to compete in the invitation only world championship, the American Royale, held annually in Kansas City, MO.

In addition, the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is one of an elite group of qualifying events for the World Food Championships, entitling our Grand Champion to compete in the World Food Championships where the total prize purse is $300,000.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the nearby Historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the free beach at Anglesea Inlet, in the heart of the Anglesea Entertainment District.

The New Jersey State Barbecue ChampionshipSM and the Anglesea Blues FestivalSM benefits the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company, serving the community since 1897.

Admission is free. visit www.njbbq.com or www.angleseablues.com.

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Things to Do: Eat a Hot Dog

In 1916, Nathan Handwerker started his nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island, with a $300 loan and his wife’s secret recipe. At the time, he had no idea how famous those hot dogs would be. He had no idea that millions around the globe would tune in to see how many of those hot dogs could be consumed in 10 minutes, or that they would be available to consumers around the world in retail and restaurants.

To settle an argument over who was the most patriotic, legend has it that four immigrants held a hot dog eating contest at the Nathan’s Famous Coney Island stand. In 1972, Nathan’s Famous held the first major and recorded hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July. Jason Schechter (USA) won by eating 14 hot dogs and buns.

Fast forward to today as Nathan’s Famous has embarked on a new path. It is one that pays homage to its New York roots, and famous food, but changes everything you know about the brand. They have added savory burgers featuring fresh Angus beef, chicken sandwiches, tenders and onion rings, and New York cheesesteak by Pat LaFrieda. Premium milkshake flavors have also been updated.

Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog-Eating Contest will again be held July 4 on Coney Island, New York. The men and women will compete separately for the title of Men’s Hot Dog Eating World Champion and Women’s Hot Dog Eating World Champion, as well as a $20,000 cash purse for each division. More than 40,000 fans come to the free event, arriving several hours in advance.

Joey Chestnt is the champion to beat as he has one 13 times and broke his own world record last year by eating 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes. His secret is: besides training year round in various eating contests, he fasts for two to three days before the Coney Island showdown.

For the women, the force to be reckoned with is Miki Sudo. She is a seven time in-arow Nathan’s champion. She holds the world record for eating 48.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes. She also holds women’s world records in Kimchi, hotdish and ice cream. For these fans, Nathan’s Famous produces a pre-show beginning at 10 a.m. that will include a death-defying performance by the Coney Island Strongman and several live bands.

Nathan’s Famous will also provide a jumbotron to increase visual access for fans. Attendance is estimated to be around 40,000.

Do you have what it takes to compete in the Hot Dog Eating Contest? Find qualifying events around the country and see who’s qualified for the Main Event. For more information, visit https://www.nathansfamous.com/

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Places to Go: Blueberry Festival Blueberry Festival

BETHLEHEM - It’s the 34th Annual Blueberry Festival where tongues turn blue! Again this year, in a safe visitor format, The Blueberry To Go Market is a 9-day market open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. to visit onsite the weekends of July 17-18 and 24-25 at Burnside Plantation.

Bring the family out to visit Bethlehem’s “farmin-the-city” at Burnside Plantation. Admission for a 90-minute time slot is $3 for adults and $3 for children, including a take home craft bag with Moravian Paper Dolls, Burnside Butterflies, Cheerio Birdfeeders, and a word search and eyespy activity. Parties of up to 5 people can reserve a picnic spot in the Apple Orchard or Lower Meadow by the Willow trees for $10. Picnic spots are first come, first serve. Ticket purchasers will receive exclusive access to our Heritage Trail mobile app that previews the Monocacy Link portion of the Heritage Trail.

Visitors can browse and shop items from the blueberry festival PA’s variety of hand-picked crafters and gourmet food vendors, and enjoy individually packaged blueberries pies. Individuals 21 and older can enjoy cans of beer from Fegley’s Brew Works including Blueberry Belch, local wines from Black River Farms, and a Blueberry Lemonade Crush from Xplorer Spirits produced by Kilimanjaro Distillery in Allentown. Want to bring even more blueberries home? Shop the Blueberry Shoppe, and pick up your favorite blueberry treats including salsas, jams, shrubs, jerky, syrup, coffee,

pancake mix, whipped honey, vinaigrette, and more.

Weekend visitors will enjoy the tunes of local acoustic musicians throughout the grounds, including The Druckenmillers, The Old Time Jam, and Young at Heart Boys, demonstrations by Neverland K-9 Institute, outdoor games: cornhole, can jam, chess, take the Barn Tour, see colonial farm equipment, and visit the award-winning Colonial Garden and Pollinator Garden at the Burnside Plantation.

Weekend parking will be located for free at St. Luke’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center, 1441 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018 with additional metered parking available on West Union Boulevard, adjacent to the entrance of the Monocacy Greenway. Entrance to Burnside Plantation is also bike friendly. All proceeds from this event help Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites to maintain 20 historic landmarks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites operates this festival. The Burnside Plantation is a 6.5-acre plantation in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It is also known as the James Burnside Plantation and Lerch Farm. The plantation is located 0.2 miles southeast of the intersection with Eaton Road, on Schoenersville Road.

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Newport Foodies Stroll

NEWPORT - Looking for something fun, new, and delicious to do? Welcome to Newport Foodies Stroll! We are Newport’s first food tour and newest attraction. Owners and founders, Susan and Thomas Maxwell, invite you to come Experience Newport, “One Stroll at a Time.”

After experiencing a particularly memorable food tour in Savannah, the light bulb went off. “We could do this, too!” the couple thought. The plan became a reality in 2018. They offer tours on Wednesday through Saturday from April to November. Then tours are offered only on Friday and Saturday during the winter time.

Come taste the best from local eateries and learn the rich history of Newport while strolling the historic streets. Their Newport Foodies Stroll will take you to five restaurants focusing on a variety of gourmet delights. Some of the local restaurants featured are Midtown Oyster, Knot Norm’s, Karma Pizza, and O’Brien’s Pub! Wear comfortable shoes as you can expect to walk approximately 1 1/2 to 2 miles during the tour. Tours begin at 11:30am and noon and last 2.5-3 hours. These tours are small and intimate to make sure that each guest can receie a personalized experience, according to the Maxwells Ticket prices start at $75. ($95 for winter tours.)

For more information, visit newportfoodiesstroll.com.

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Go, Do, See Chocolate &Cheese

Treat yourself to the indulgent comfort of Vermont’s rich flavors. From smoky cheddar cheese to artisanal chocolate and mint bonbons, the Green Mountain State takes great pride in its gourmet offerings. Plan an epic road trip following the state’s chocolate and beer trails, taste the dessert treat that is ice wine, and sample a delectable combo of saucisson-style mortadella with pistachios and dark chocolate for some of the most delicious food experiences to have in Vermont

Try world-class artisanal bonbons and chocolate charcuterie

While Vermont is famous for its maple syrup, the state also has a vibrant chocolate-making industry. Small bonbons crafted by hand, dark chocolate bars, chocolate-covered figs — you name it, Vermont has it.

Tavernier Chocolates is one of the state’s oldest and most notable chocolate makers. The family-run venture traces its origins back to France where they ran a number of confectionaries in Paris, Calais, and Bourges. The family matriarch, Dar Tavernier was a passionate traveler who globe-trotted whenever the opportunity arose, tasting diverse flavors along the way. It only makes sense that the shop is named after her.

The production process at Tavernier is simple. Each small batch follows strict quality control guidelines to make sure that every bonbon meets the standard for taste and quality. Here, you won’t find any artificial or sweeteners. What you will find is a mix of local dried fruits and herbs, spice blends, and charcuterie bonded

by the full taste of chocolate.

Tavernier’s chocolate collection is inspired by the local surroundings and always uses seasonal ingredients. At the shop you’ll see chocolate tablets with dried rose, hibiscus, and lavender; maple macaroons; white chocolate with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries; and “nibby milk” bars that combine dark milk chocolate, cacao nibs, and black Hawaiian sea salt. Some of Tavernier’s more unexpected flavors include the total eclipse black garlic bonbons and the forage mushroom bonbon collection.

You can also try chocolate charcuterie pairings such as the hand-rolled dark chocolate ganache log made with local dairy and served along with saucisson-style mortadella, a cardamom King Arthur Flour shortbread, pistachios, and dried Medjool dates dusted with cocoa powder. Cheese-making is not only a culinary trade in Vermont but also an art form. With more than 45 cheesemakers statewide, the options are plenty. You can choose from 150 cheese varieties made from local milk. Make sure to get your hands on some cheddar, alpine, and blue cheese. What’s unique about some local cheeses is that they have a hint of basil due to the fact that quite a few cheesemakers feed the aromatic plant to

their cows.

Follow along the Vermont Cheese Trail and hit up Shelburne Farms for its cheddar, Nothin’ but Curd to eat your weight’s worth of buffalo cheese curds, and Cabot Creamery. Offering dozens of flavors, Cabot Creamery specializes in clothbound cheddar, classic cheddars, and cheddar prepared according to a 101-year-old tradition.

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