See Also: What's New in 2008
A Guide to New England's Newest Attractions and Events for Summer 2007
There's so much new to see and do in New England during the summer of '07. Whether you're an admirer of architecture or modern art; the parent of a toddler, teen or four-legged furball; a gardening or a gaming enthusiast; a cycling fan or a lover of tall ships or tall buildings, this is the year you need to visit New England. Here is your guide to 10 new things to see and do in the region this summer:
1. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Maine's Newest Attraction
When it opens to the public on May 21, 2007, the 42-story Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory will be Maine's tallest occupied structure and only the third bridge observatory of its kind in the world. Take an elevator to the top for spectacular views of the Penobscot River, Fort Knox and the Maine coast. A Bridgefest scheduled for June 23, 2007, in Bucksport, Maine, will celebrate the opening of the new tower with a parade, fireworks and other events.2. Get Ready for Some Wiggly Fun
There isn't a preschooler in New England who doesn't know the Wiggles, I'll wager, and that means Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, is the place to be this year if you're traveling with tiny tots. Six Flags New England's new Wiggles World features themed rides and attractions including the Big Red Car ride and the Yummy Yummy Café.3. Tour the Philip Johnson Glass House
Built in 1949 by experimental architect Philip Johnson, the Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, features exterior walls of clear glass. This remarkable home became a National Trust Historic Site following the architect's death in 2005. This summer, Philip Johnson's Glass House will be open to the public for tours for the first time in its history. The Visitors Center is located across the street from the Metro-North train station in New Canaan, which makes the site easy to visit without a car.4. Have a Wet and Wild Time... Indoors!
When it opens May 22, 2007, the CoCo Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Ferncroft hotel in Danvers, Massachusetts, will be New England's first large-scale indoor waterpark. Whatever the weather outside, it will be 84 degrees year-round at CoCo Key, where kids will love the slides, raft rides and play areas. The waterpark is only open to overnight hotel guests.5. Immerse Yourself in Modern Art at the New ICA
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) unveiled its new waterfront museum in Boston in December of 2006, and if you haven't yet visited this striking showcase for modern art, this summer is a great time to go. In addition to viewing the museum's permanent collection, you'll be able to see several temporary installations and exhibitions including Misaki Kawai's Space House and more than 100 photographs by Philip-Lorca diCorcia. The museum also has a busy summer schedule of talks, performances and other programs.6. Cheer for World-Class Cyclists
New England will have its own Tour de France this summer! The first Montréal-Boston Cycling Tour, scheduled to begin in Montréal, Canada on August 5, 2007, and conclude in Boston on August 12, was granted a 2.1 license by the International Cycling Union and is expected to draw Tour de France caliber teams, as well as cyclists hoping to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games. Vermont and New Hampshire will also host stages of the race.7. Try Your Luck at Rhode Island's New Gaming Destination
Lincoln Park in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is history, and in its place this summer, gambling enthusiasts will find the newly renovated and expanded Twin River, a 200,000-square-foot gaming, greyhound racing and entertainment emporium that claims the third largest variety of video slot machines in the country. Don't gamble? Check Twin River's schedule of outdoor summer concerts and Catch a Rising Star comedy shows.8. Cater to Your Canine at Nantucket's New Woof Hotel
This summer, there's no reason to leave your best friend behind when you visit the island of Nantucket. The new 12-room Woof Hotel at Harbor House Village has its own fenced-in dog park, and four-legged guests will get their own beds, food and water bowls and a welcome basket filled with treats and toys. There's a pet concierge to ensure Fido and Fifi have everything they could paw-sibly need, and owners and their pups are invited to Friday night "Yappy Hours."9. Stroll Through New England's Largest Indoor Garden
New England's largest indoor garden, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence, Rhode Island, made its debut in March of 2007. This summer, in addition to touring the 12,000 square feet of garden displays inside the conservatory and greenhouses, you'll be able to see the surrounding outdoor gardens planted this spring.10. Don't Miss the Tall Ships
It's being billed as "the most extensive maritime festival ever." Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007 is expected to draw more than 250,000 visitors to Newport. The free, three-day event, scheduled for June 28-30, will feature 19 historic sailing vessels from around the world, food, crafts, children's activities and an international village with tent-pavilions representing the participating nations.
