We came to Manoir Hovey, in the beautiful green Eastern Townships of Quebec, for a relaxing break and fine dining. We didn’t expect box seats to a spectacular show, too.

Ski right out the door and onto the gondola at Loon Mountain Club, in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Or curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book, swim a few laps in the heated pool, luxuriate in the spa and forget the snowy landscapes outside.

Charming inns, scones and cream at tea-time overlooking the sea, fresh-caught seafood, and stunning sunset views are all part of a New Brunswick island getaway.

With the Royal Yacht Britannia now retired, when Queen Elizabeth II wishes to sail around the north coast of her realm or throw a birthday party for the whole royal family, she chooses the five-star Hebridean Princess. After a week on board, we could easily understand why.

Finding the right presents for traveling family and friends is tricky. With luggage allowances diminishing, most who travel want to be sure each thing they carry is really worth its weight and size. Here are my favorite new travel products.

Without overdoing the Yuletide theme, Christmas Farm Inn keeps the holiday spirit year round, celebrating the simple joys of life each day. Spacious guest rooms and fine country dining welcome guests in all seasons.

The summer cottage on Campobello Island was the first home Eleanor Roosevelt ever thought of as her own, and after having afternoon “Tea with Eleanor” there we felt as though she were showing us through it herself.

We stood surrounded by lush rows of bright purple blossoms, enveloped in the fresh scent of lavender flowers that bloomed almost as far as we could see.

New products can solve travel problems, from using a cell phone safely while driving to cold feet on airplanes and unmentionable odors anywhere.

Spending the night nestled in a bed of straw might not be everyone’s glass of cider, but there is no more restful luxury after a day outdoors than a hayloft overlooking a green meadow high above a Swiss village.