New in the Northeast Just in Time for Summer

Summer is in full swing. And our New England Coast and New York Adirondack Opal resorts are ready to make it stellar with these new activities and offerings, including a custom-designed private home rental perfect for groups in Bar Harbor, Maine to a “s’more” car in Lake George, New York.

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Opal may have just premiered three new properties in Florida, but don’t let that lead you to believe there’s nothing new or noteworthy going on at our resorts or destinations up in the Northeast, along the New England Coast and in the New York Adirondacks. In fact, it seems like summer is very much in full swing. And we’ve got the exciting new activities and attractions to base a stay around.

A PRIVATE HOME SERVICED BY TWO LUXURY RESORTS [Bar Harbor, ME]

A stunning, vaulted-ceiling bedroom with a fireplace; French doors that slide open to a private, fenced-in backyard punctuated by a firepit and Adirondack chairs; an expansive, open-concept chef’s kitchen equipped with a double oven, oversized Miele refrigerator, and wet bar. These are just a few of the decadent details that make up the new custom-designed private home, The Willow House. Nestled on a wooded one-acre plot of land on the western edge of West Street in Bar Harbor, this two-story home is available for long-term rentals right at the doorstep of Acadia National Park.

But, lavishness and luxury aside, what really puts the cherry on top of a Willow House stay is the fact that guests get exclusive access to all the amenities of two nearby Opal luxury resorts, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina and West Street Hotel. That includes a trio of pools (one with the distinction of being Maine’s only rooftop infinity-edge pool), a variety of restaurants, gym and tennis courts, and an Opal Spa. That means you get the comfort and exclusivity of a private home but the full-service attention of a resort experience.

SUMMER-LONG 400-ANNIVERSARY SOIREES ON THE SEACOAST [Portsmouth, NH]

Portsmouth, New Hampshire has been celebrating the 400th anniversary of its settlement all year long, but the party really started once the summer season hit. You can find more details on our blog post, “5 Portsmouth 400th Anniversary Events You Won’t Want to Miss,” but a few to shape an upcoming Wentworth by the Sea stay around: the Little Italy Carnival (August 6), STREET.life!400 (August 15), or the Great Portsmouth Picnic (October 1).

That said, historic Portsmouth isn’t the only place celebrating a big birthday. June officially marked the 10-year anniversary of Salt Kitchen & Bar premiering as Wentworth by the Sea’s signature restaurant. And it makes for the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious dinner at this seacoast dining destination.

ELECTRIC GOLF CARTS THAT ARE CHANGING THE GAME [Rockport, ME]

While all of our resorts employ green initiatives, Samoset Resort is known for one show-stopping display of how beautiful sustainability can really be. We’re talking about the expansive lobby that is completely constructed of recycled lumber and reclaimed wood from an old grain elevator in Portland.

However, as of this summer, the lobby is no longer the most obvious demonstration of the resort’s eco-friendly commitment. In addition to 10 electric vehicle charging stations that were newly installed at the resort, the sprawling 18-hole championship golf course also unveiled a whole new fleet of electric golf carts. While generating zero emissions when zipping around the 6,548-yard course – renowned for its seven, stunning oceanside holes – may be the biggest benefit, these carts are also whisper-quiet in comparison to their gas counterparts. So, in moments requiring perfect focus and precision, a player can perform without distraction.  

CURATED ADIRONDACK HIKES LED BY THE BEST OF THEM [Lake Placid, NY]

Private wine cellar dinners, daily tours aboard the 35-foot mahogany Hacker-Craft, birds of prey demonstrations (with real live Adirondack raptors), morning yoga on the dock – these are just some of the beloved activities that Lake Placid Lodge offers throughout the summer and has been doing so for years.

But a new one to hit the program roster? Regularly scheduled guided hikes led by Ed Kanze twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Called “the Adirondack guide nonpareil” by Forbes Life Magazine, he’s far from your average guide, but a seventh-generation Adirondacker with decades of experience as an interpretive naturalist. That means he doesn’t just take you on a walk in the wilderness, he tells you the story of the region’s history and what you’re seeing. And what a storyteller he is – he’s not only published a host of nature books, but he’s also won the prestigious John Burroughs Award for his nature writing.

S’MORES SERVED IN STYLE [Lake George, NY]

As if the stacked-stone firepit set against the backdrop of The Sagamore Resort’s historic façade wasn’t the epitome of a Rockwellian scene already, the historic Lake George hotel just upped the ante with the addition of a “s’more car.” Picture something resembling a 1920s vintage Ford, just with the cab modified to hold all the fixings for a s’more smorgasbord – roasting sticks included. 

So when the sun starts to sink and you see this car ambling across the property, it’s a signal to make your way to stake your claim at one of the Adirondack chairs encircling the fire pit. With drink service from La Bella Vita, you can wash your marshmallow masterpiece down with a handcrafted cocktail, and, on some nights, a hired guitarist twiddles tunes by the fireside.