When the cold weather begins to set in, we start to dream of snow, hearty food, and the possibility of someplace warm. This weekend, you can take your pick. Ski down one of the first mountains to open in Summit County, Colorado, indulge in fine foods and wines by the harbor in Portland, Maine, or try some kiteboarding in the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic.
By Diane Kahng and John Cookson
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Harvest on the Harbor, October 22-25
Portland, Maine
From Thursday through Sunday, head to Portland, Maine to celebrate the 2nd Annual Harvest on the Harbor event. The area is best known for the succulent lobster and fresh seafood catches, but the Harvest is meant to showcase the farm-to-table local cuisine. Meet 5,000 other people, try some unique harvest menus prepared by expert chefs, vote on Maine’s Lobster Chef of the Year, ($35) and if you’re feeling unusually adventurous, visit “The Man Cave” to learn (or show off) some serious grilling skills with other farmers, fishermen, and food artisans. Ticket prices vary, and some events are free. There is also a variety of sophisticated wine pours for those who are feeling thirsty. If you have some extra time, consider looking into the nearby L.L.Bean flagship retail store and stocking up on some fall and winter gear.
Travel and Accommodation
Portland Airport isn’t far, and there are several lodging options available with special accommodation packages in honor of the Harvest.
Arapahoe Basin, October 23-25
Summit County, Colorado
There are a few places in the country where the early ski season doesn’t mean sparse, muddy snow and slipping on acorns. We recommend blazing some dry powder at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin). Open since October 9th, they’ve already got 18 inches. The 13,050-foot mountain caters mostly to the Summit County community, so go be a local for a few days. Start off the season by trying the Treeline Terrain Park, one of the most advanced terrain parks in North America. Refuel at the Black Mountain Lodge with an Elk Burgoo or hearty chili. You can continue to make the most of your lift ticket, but at $49 for a full day, you won’t feel guilty if you sit out the rest at 6th Alley Bar with a Hot Toddy.
Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Denver International Airport, then choose from a variety of accomodation options. If you’re a Season Pass holder ($359), you’ll receive 10% off any reservation with SummitCove.com.
Kiteboarding the Caribbean, October 23-25
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Dip down to the Dominican Republic this weekend for a go at the coolest newest adventure sport: kiteboarding. Santo Domingo and the southern coast have long drawn people seeking sun and sand, but the DR’s once-quiet northern coast is the unrivaled destination for surf. In only the last few years Cabarete has gone from backwater to boomtown. The reason: it’s a world-class site for kiteboarding.
In the height of summer the shore is flooded with kiteboarders. Now, the weather stands in the upper eighties and the water is all yours. A host of companies offer rentals and lessons (see here for a list). Spend an hour or two on the beach learning to maneuver the kite, so it will pull you along without pulling you out to sea, then work your way into the surf. In no time you’ll be up on the board and zipping along, and occasionally above, the waves. One weekend won’t make you an expert, but it will make this your new favorite pastime.
In the evening sip a local beer and, as the sun dips down over the horizon, consider calling in sick on Monday for an extra day in the surf.
Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Puerto Plata Airport, and then take a cab to Cabarete. There is plenty of beachfront lodging, many with ties with the kiteboarding companies, so ask about discounts and specials.
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October 22nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
[...] Your Perfect Weekend October 23-25 | Men’s Journal http://www.mensjournal.com/your-perfect-weekend-october-23-25 – view page – cached When the cold weather begins to set in, we start to dream of snow, hearty food, and the possibility of someplace warm. This weekend, you can take your pick. — From the page [...]
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 am
[...] usual Friday edition of the Men’s Journal’s perfect weekend. This week features Colorado’s A-Basin where you can now ski, as Casey calls it, the [...]
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