There was no red carpet or little golden statues, but the second annual New England Travel Readers' Choice Awards announced on March 27, 2013 recognize the region's best and most memorable places and experiences and give the hard-working retailers, beach groomers, chefs, resort staff, event planners and other hospitality and tourism industry professionals behind them the right to swagger throughout 2013. Like all of About.com's Readers' Choice Awards, these honors provided travelers with an opportunity to determine the ultimate winners by nominating and voting for their favorites in a variety of categories. Whether you live in New England or are planning to visit this six-state region, here's your guide to some of the best New England has to offer.
And the Winners Are...
Thousands of votes were cast for the 2013 New England Travel Readers' Choice Awards, and now it's time to reveal the winner in each of the six award categories below.
And the winners are...
And the winners are...
Favorite New England Attraction, Activity or Tour
© 2001 Kim Knox Beckius
Once again, this Readers' Choice Award category produced an eclectic line-up of finalists, all worthy of recognition. Voting was vigorous as supporters rallied behind their favorite attracions, and now, it's time to reveal the winner and runners-up.
Best Annual Festival/Event in New England
Media photo courtesy of the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival
When you live in New England, it's impossible to be bored. There are simply too many excellent events happening in the region, season after season. The winner in this category is a quirky, up-and-coming festival that sounds so utterly scrumptious, I think I'll have to attend this year.
Favorite New England Family Resort/Hotel
Media photo courtesy of the Snowy Owl Inn
Family-friendly resorts and hotels beckon to New England travelers with their array of recreational amenities, accommodations options and scenic locales. There were family resorts by the sea, in the wilderness and in a pristine rural setting among the five finalists for Readers' Choice honors, but the winner--by a nose--is a mountain lodge.
Best New England Restaurant
© 2007 Kim Knox Beckius
What are the ingredients of a memorable meal? Readers had a variety of ideas, and the finalists ranged from casual seafood emporiums to fine dining establishments. Which quintessentially New England restaurant received food lovers' support in intense voting? The Best New England Restaurant winner is a Massachusetts landmark.
Best New England Beach
© 2004 Kim Knox Beckius
What makes a beach the best? Clean sand and exhilarating surf--sure! But historic significance, uniqueness and location were factors, too, and the winner is a New England beach that has beckoned to travelers for more than 170 years.
Favorite New England Shopping Destination
Media photo courtesy of Stew Leonard's
Did a national retailer with New England origins claim the title of New England's best place to max out credit cards? Or was a New England-based store or shopping center able to pull off an upset? The votes are in, and a delightfully surprising winner has claimed honors as New England's best retail establishment.
