The beauty of a multi-day, 220-mile road trip up the craggy coast from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine isn’t just the plethora of enticing pit stops along the route – from high culture to scenic coves. It’s also the way that Opal properties serve as your easy and convenient overnight waypoints for piecing together one epic coastal cruise.

Ever been on a stretch of road where it feels like the pavement plods on for miles without a stop-worthy roadside attraction in sight? If the answer is yes, then you definitely weren’t in coastal New England. Because here, the pressure to pull over is ever-prevalent thanks to easily accessible roadside stops: Everything from scenic coves studded with bobbing boats to quaint lobster shacks and antique emporiums to stretches of downtowns lined in retailers, restaurants, and museums.

So how do you fit it all in without turning your trip into what could stretch into a month-long journey? You follow this carefully crafted itinerary, culling the top New England road trip stops, starting from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine, then onto Rockport and ending in Bar Harbor.

LEG 1: PORTSMOUTH, NH TO ROCKPORT, ME | 136 MILES

Depart from Wentworth by the Sea [Portsmouth, NH]

After waking up in one of the cozy seaside rooms of Wentworth by the Sea – located just 15 minutes from downtown Portsmouth on the island of New Castle – make sure to fuel up for your ride with breakfast from the 1874 grand hotel’s on-site signature restaurant, Salt Kitchen & Bar. Dishes include from-the-griddle favorites like buttermilk pancakes as well as coastal twists on classic egg creations, from the lobster benedict to smoked salmon avocado toast.

Visit One of the Many Museums in Maine’s Largest City [Portland, ME]

After a little over an hour on I-95 North, you’ll make your first stop in Portland where a rich port history blends with high culture, making it one of the hippest, vibrant small cities in America. It’s also something of a museum mecca, offering everything from the prestigious Portland Museum of Art, home to coveted masterpieces from the likes of Claude Monet, Winslow Homer, and Pablo Picasso, to the weird and whacky wonders of the International Cryptozoology Museum or the Umbrella Cover Museum.

Take Scenic Route 1 for a Lobster Lunch at Red’s Eats [Wiscasset, ME]

Instead of remaining on I-95, opt to take oceanfront Route 1 for its classic Maine coastal views. Time it just right, and you should hit the historic and quaint village of Wiscasset for a late lunch, where a postcard perfect red-and-white striped lobster shack – known as Red’s Eats – waits with first-rate lobster rolls along the Sheepscot River. If looking for a nearby alternative that also remains open in the off-season (as Red’s season runs from April to October), check out  Water Street Kitchen just down the road for a unique Mediterranean spin on Maine seafood.

Check into Samoset Resort then Depart for Downtown [Rockport/Rockland, ME]

After about a 45-minute ride from Wiscasset, it’s check-in time at Samoset Resort, a nautically inspired property set on 230 acres overlooking Penobscot Bay’s deep-water harbor in Rockport. But you’re not calling it a night just yet: After getting settled, set out for exploring downtown Rockland, located just a 10-minute drive from Samoset and considered one of Midcoast Maine’s most charming towns where historic brick buildings take on second lives as cutting-edge restaurants, hip and lively coffee shops, upscale boutiques, and eye-opening art galleries. We suggest beelining it to Main Street, the village’s bustling nerve center, home to such institutions as the Strand Theatre, The Grasshopper Shop, and the nationally recognized Farnsworth Art Museum.

Italian Eats at Samoset Resort [Rockport, ME]

After working up an appetite strolling the streets of downtown Rockland, you’ll be more than ready to dig into dinner at Samoset’s signature on-site restaurant, La Bella Vita. Styled with a rustic charm that captures the ambiance of a traditional trattoria, the eatery presents classic Italian dishes done up with Maine ingredients, like the lobster and crab ravioli and Sicilian ocean stew. After pouring over the menu of pastas, pizza, seafood, and more, don’t forget to peek the extensive wine list – which earned a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” in 2022 – for the perfect pairing.

LEG 2: ROCKPORT, ME TO BAR HARBOR, ME | 85 MILES

Depart from Samoset Resort, But Not Before Doing Breakfast & Breakwater [Rockport, ME]

Before departing from the seaside elegance of your room, make sure to take full advantage of the resort’s lengthy in-room dining menu, whisking everything from buttermilk pancakes to egg white omelets to your bedside or balcony. After checking out, it’s time for one last on-resort adventure: The Rockland Breakwater. Located at the edge of the property, this marvel of a jetty constructed from massive blocks of granite juts out into the bay for almost a mile. It takes about 15 minutes to stroll the full length (round trip) of the landmark, where on its easternmost end, a lighthouse stands sentinel over the harbor.

Visit a Maine Vineyard [Lincolnville, ME]

© Emily Qualey, courtesy of Celldardoor Winery

After departing Rockport, take a quick pit stop to nearby Lincolnville, Maine, just 15 minutes north and home to Cellardoor Winery. This establishment not only showcases its state-of-the-art winery but is also home to a 5.5-acre vineyard and large barn for sampling their 20 wines made largely from imported grapes (with the exception of their ice wine). Tours of the winery are offered at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and self-guided tastings are available from 12 to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For a more intimate and educational experience, hosted tasting bars are available by reservation on Saturday and Sunday afternoons with a Cellardoor host.

Stop at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory [Bucksport, ME]

© Adam Grotton

After grabbing lunch at one of the many roadside stops that line Route 1 from Belfast to Stockton Springs, stop at the first (and tallest) bridge observatory in the world, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Connecting Verona Island to Prospect, Maine, the 446-foot-tall structure towers over the Penobscot River with a public observatory offering 360-degree views extending to Mt. Desert Island and Acadia on a clear day.

Check into West Street Hotel Then Sail into Sunset [Bar Harbor, ME]

While Bar Harbor is home to two Opals – Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina and West Street Hotel  –  tonight, you’ll be resting your head at the latter and the only luxury boutique hotel in town, featuring modern design, magnificent ocean views, and one truly breathtaking rooftop pool. After enjoying the ocean breeze from your private balcony as you look out to the yachts and fishing boats moored side by side at the marina, venture on a sunset cruise with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Highlights include cruising through the evergreen tree-topped islands of Frenchman Bay, sipping a local brew, and, of course, soaking up that technicolor sunset.

A Hearty Dinner to Fuel Your Following Day [Bar Harbor, ME]

The major road trip portion of your trip may be done, but you’re just getting started in Bar Harbor. And for that reason, you’ll want a hearty meal to fuel your day ahead. Luckily, you have your choice of diverse dining in downtown Bar Harbor, but we recommend either Paddy’s Irish Pub, located on the street level of the West Street Hotel, or Stewman’s Lobster Pound. (Can’t decide? Check out our guide to both). Over dinner, plot out your following day spent exploring the jagged granite peaks, rugged coastline, and historic carriage roads of Acadia National Park just a few miles away. In fact, a great way to take it all in is via one of the island’s Acadia GEMs, clean energy efficient, lightweight electric vehicles that are street legal and available for rental in the heart of Bar Harbor. Think of it as a way to extend your road trip just a little while longer.

OTHER ROAD TRIP-THEMED ARTICLES ACROSS OUR OPALS

• A Southernmost Road Trip: Delray Beach to Key West on the Overseas Highway

• A Tale of Two Coasts: Sampling Both Sides of Florida on an Open Stretch of Road

• Two Road Trips & Two Lakes in the New York Adirondacks

• Coastal Distancing on Cruise Control: Clearwater Beach to Sarasota

The post A Coveted Coastal New England Road Trip appeared first on First Leg Travels.

If you’ve been waiting to hear the latest on Opal Key Resort & Marina’s renovated spaces – an upgraded arrival experience, expanded pool area, and vibrant new restaurant concept – here’s what you need to know.

*All renderings depicted in this article are artistic interpretations of the design. It is not meant to be an exact rendition.

DJ McCarthy, general manager of Opal Key Resort & Marina, doesn’t consider himself a particularly nostalgic individual. Still, during the recent refresh to the resort’s lobby, pool, and dining outlets, there was one moment where he admitted he developed a bit of a lump in his throat. “It was when, during construction, I first saw the rooftop deck leveled,” he says. Located atop what was formerly known as Bistro 245, the beloved deck was barren. Gone was the old post-and-beam wooden tiki bar topped with a tin roof. Gone were the surrounding bar stools and chairs in their rainbow of classic Key West colors.

But what was still there? That epic birds-eye view of Key West’s acclaimed sunset and all the nightly festivities that occur in Mallory Square below. And it was then that McCarthy’s nostalgia turned into excitement – maybe even a little bit of giddiness. “This is literally the best seat in town,” he says. “And it was only going to get better because I knew what the culinary and design teams were working on was going to be unlike anything else Key West has ever offered. This is a spot everyone is going to want to be. And, now, it’s not just because of the views, but the vibe.”

The outdoor rooftop sanctuary – newly renamed to Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge and opening this spring – wasn’t the only piece of Opal Key property that saw a refresh over the course of winter 2024/2025. With that in mind, we take a stroll through the exciting new look and what McCarthy says is going to give “a whole new energy to the Opal Key guest experience.”

A WELCOME EXPERIENCE THAT DECLARES “YOU’VE ARRIVED”

The first interaction guests have with any property is the lobby, so, of course, that initial impression is essential. “Prior to the renovation, the style of the lobby had a lot of dark wood and muted, almost mustardy-beige walls,” explains McCarthy. “It just felt a little heavier when we want guests to be walking in here and instantly feeling light and bright – in fact, that’s really become the Opal standard.”

As for how they accomplished that, the first thing they did was open it up to bring in more natural light. “There was previously a back office positioned on the south side of the lobby, so it was relocated and the wall opened up to make the lobby bigger while adding more windows,” says McCarthy. Next came all-brand new ceiling, walls, and flooring boasting natural textures and tones: blonde wood on the ceilings, new flooring tiles, and a turquoise-teel slatted back wall set behind the brand-new front desk. New furnishings include hanging swing chairs in wicker with plush pillows, potted lemon trees, a driftwood inspired coffee table, and more. There’s also a brand-new state-of-the-art sound system, as well as a small new grab-n-go market.

A BELOVED POOL EXPERIENCE GETS A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE

The on-site pool is perhaps one of the resort’s most signature amenities. Not just for a refreshing dip, but for the way this paradise, located in the center of the resort, is shrouded by lush native plants and trees, creating an uncanny sense of privacy that is hard to come by in this part of Key West.

So how could you possibly enhance what already feels like paradise? In addition to resurfacing the pool and jacuzzi and adding new tiling around the edges, the loungers and umbrellas received fresh new fabric reflecting the dining outlets’ vibrant new feel. And, as the hallmark element of the refresh, read on to find out what a feel that is.

SPICY NEW DINING OUTLETS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE IN KEY WEST

Opening spring 2025, the new dining experience is anchored by the resort’s brand-new signature restaurant, Lolita’s Coastal Cocina, where coastal flavors meet Mexican flair. “It will have a tropical-hip vibe that feels at home in Key West, but it’s married with what feels like a Mexican folk vibe,” says McCarthy.

With half the restaurant located indoors, the other half set outside right in front of Mallory Square, deciding on where to sit, ultimately, might be tough. Inside, the ceiling consists of a bamboo-style wood over the dining room, then a colorful mural over the bar. On the far end of the dining room, against the booth seating, is a raspberry-pink wall silhouetted by single-stalk cacti of all different heights. Outside, the theme continues with the same ceiling mural pattern reflected in the umbrellas and cacti centerpieces. The patio also boats brand new cobblestone brick and a fixed awning hung in string lights.

Lolita’s also services the new pool bar, Ka’Teen, open to resort guests only and located opposite the eastern wall of the restaurant’s indoor portion. But the experience doesn’t end there. Actually, it’s elevated – quite literally as a set of stairs from Lolita’s climbs up to Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge, the brand-new rooftop deck experience. The sprawling space spans a similar footprint as Lolita’s indoor section, just with a modern, open-air layout that serves lofted views of both the resort pool to the east and that famous Mallory Square sunset experience to the west. At the heart of the venue, the wraparound bar is surrounded by a variety of seating “zones” that ripple out: high-top seating, tables, couches, loungers, and even private day-bed cabanas (rentable for resort guests).

“To have a sunset every day of the year, and, now these sophisticated spaces – serving shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, and a full tequila and mezcal menu – right in view of it…” says McCarthy. “Like I said, there’s nothing like it in Key West.”

LOVE THE VIBE?

There’s more where that came from. Check out the designs of other Opal properties that have been refreshed in recent years:

• Cirque St. Armands: A Circus-Sophisticated Spin | Sarasota, FL

• Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms | Clearwater Beach, FL

• The Capri Inn’s Rejuvenating Refresh | Naples, FL

• Jupiter Beach Resort’s Re-Imagined Resort | Jupiter, FL

• The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Yacht-Sleek Look | Longboat Key, FL

The post Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design: A Key West Resort Renovation appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Whether you’re a local foodie or planning an upcoming visit, this insider’s guide reveals the most anticipated restaurants to open in Sarasota, Florida in 2025, including Opal’s own Ringside restaurant at Cirque St. Armands Beachside.

With four First Leg Travels resorts in the Sarasota area with their own established and esteemed on-site restaurants, you could spend an entire year treating yourself to mouthwatering item after item on the menus at such places like Latitudes at The Resort at Longboat Key Club or Drift (#1 restaurant in Sarasota, according to TripAdvisor!) at the Lido Beach Resort. But then you might miss some of the best Sarasota restaurants that have just – or are preparing – to open their doors in 2025, including Opal’s own Ringside restaurant at Cirque St. Armands Beachside.

From sophisticated steakhouses and artisanal donut shops to Greek cuisine and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, these additions promise to join the ranks of the best new restaurants in Sarasota.

NEW RESTAURANTS IN SARASOTA OPEN NOW

1. Ringside at Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Considered one of the most unique and exciting places to dine in Sarasota, this eye-catching dining experience debuted March 2025. As the premiere restaurant in the new Cirque St. Armands hotel – set on Lido Key – Ringside draws inspiration from Sarasota’s rich circus heritage, including billboard-size murals showcasing trapeze artists and five private dining booths that peek out from behind sumptuous velvet drapery. The setting meets its perfect match in the menu, serving up a delicate balancing act of bold flavors and Gulf seafood favorites – think char-grilled octopus, pan-seared Scottish salmon served over a bed of sweet potato and hazelnut hash, and dry-aged rib eye served with parmesan potato gratin and garlic-wild mushroom ragout. 

233 Benjamin Franklin Dr
Sarasota, FL

2. Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar

Adding to the seafood-focused restaurants Sarasota is known for, this new Rosemary District venture is reviving coastal traditions with a modern twist. Set in a renovated auto body shop that shares space with Mandeville Beer Garden, the rustic yet comfortable atmosphere features three big garage doors that open to a beautiful outside dining area. As for the menu, expect made-to-order dishes that showcase the best of local seafood – including Cedar Key clams and Gulf grouper – whereas oysters are sourced from all over as far north as Massachusetts.

428 N Lemon Ave
Sarasota, FL

3. Sugar Champagne Bar

Among the most anticipated new Sarasota restaurants of 2025, this sophisticated champagne and piano lounge that opened in March represents a $4 million investment in downtown’s nightlife scene. Housed in a beautifully renovated pink building that honors Sarasota’s architectural heritage, Sugar pairs world-class caviar with artisanal desserts in an atmosphere of refined elegance. The carefully curated champagne list features prestigious vineyards, while masterfully crafted cocktails and top-shelf spirits round out the beverage program.

127 S Pineapple Ave
Sarasota, FL

4. Florence and the Spice Boys

Elevating the diverse landscape of Sarasota restaurants, this success story evolved from a beloved food truck to a brand-new brick-and-mortar establishment. Bringing Middle Eastern fusion street food to south Sarasota, the 2,500-square-foot restaurant delivers bold flavors and creative combinations in a visually stunning setting. The expanded menu features favorites from their food truck days – like turmeric fried chicken sandwich, chicken shawarma taco and vegan falafel pita taco – alongside new creations exclusive to the restaurant.

N Cattlemen Rd, Unit 90
Sarasota, FL

5. Duck Donuts

This beloved chain has brought their made-to-order donut experience to the area. Each donut is made fresh to order and customized to personal preferences, with favorites including their signature maple-iced donut topped with chopped bacon and salted caramel. The menu also features seasonal specialties and creative coffee drinks perfect for any time of day.

1580 Lakefront Dr, UNIT 102
Sarasota, FL

6. 131 Main

This acclaimed establishment also made its Lakewood Ranch debut in March, bringing its “all fresh, no freezers” philosophy to the area. In fact, 131 Main has built its reputation on wood-fire grilling, Premium Angus Beef, and daily fresh fish deliveries. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its carefully curated wine list and craft cocktail program, promising a complete dining experience.

6608 University Pkwy
Lakewood Ranch, FL

SARASOTA RESTAURANTS OPENING SPRING 2025

7. Allswell

Adding to the diverse collection of restaurants Sarasota, Florida boasts, this modern gastropub represents a fresh take on comfort food classics. The innovative menu features standout dishes like duck shepherd’s pie, bone-in beef rib with black garlic barbecue, and Dungeness crab queso. Opening in spring, Allswell aims to create a welcoming atmosphere where upscale comfort food meets craft beverages in a sophisticated yet approachable setting.

7500 Island Cove Terrace, Suite 102
Lakewood Ranch, FL

BEST NEW RESTAURANTS IN SARASOTA OPENING SUMMER 2025

8. Warren

Poised to become one of the best restaurants in Sarasota in when it opens in late summer, Warren is an elevated dining experience focusing on Modern American cuisine. This high-end restaurant and whiskey bar will occupy two stunning floors overlooking Selby Five Points Park. With premium steaks butchered in-house and carefully curated seafood selections, Warren aims to redefine luxury dining in the heart of the city. The restaurant’s extensive whiskey collection and sophisticated atmosphere make it a perfect addition to downtown’s growing fine dining scene.

1400 Main St
Sarasota, FL

9. Blu Kouzina

Expanding its presence among top Sarasota restaurants, this beloved St. Armands Circle institution is now bringing its acclaimed Greek cuisine to the heart of the city. Known for authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients, Blu Kouzina has earned its reputation as one of the region’s finest Greek restaurants. The new location will feature the same commitment to quality while offering an expanded menu and enhanced dining space in the beautiful blue hues of the Greek isles.

N Cattlemen Rd
Sarasota, FL

10. Carved Craft Sandwiches

Contributing to the casual dining scene, this chef-inspired gourmet shop elevates the humble sandwich to an art form. Using fresh, local ingredients and artisanal bread, Carved at Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch creates memorable combinations that go beyond traditional sandwich offerings. The menu extends to house-made soups, creative salads, and seasonal bowls that showcase the chef’s innovative approach to casual dining.

1551 Lakefront Drive, Suite 100
Sarasota, FL

The post 10 Best New Sarasota Restaurants to Visit in 2025 appeared first on First Leg Travels.

These holiday cocktails – part of Opal’s specialty holiday cocktail program – aren’t just complex symphonies of flavor, they’re liquid works of art. And we’ve got the recipes for you to recreate during your own holiday festivities. Here’s to sipping into the season.

Give Peter Mathieu a cocktail ingredient – any random single ingredient, say Frangelico or apple juice or vodka or Angostura bitters – and he’ll compute several different recipes in his head within mere seconds that he knows are winners. That’s because he’s extremely well-studied in flavor combinations, both classic and newer. “My uncle is a chef, and I used to study his cookbooks,” he says. “But the books that were always my favorite were about flavor profiles – understanding them, what other flavors they best pair with, and why they work together.”

But rather than funneling that knowledge into a career as a chef, he went a more liquid route, becoming a mixologist specializing in the art (and science) of why certain combinations produce the best cocktails. Which is why – as the mixologist for Opal Grand Resort & Spa’s Drift restaurant – he was a natural pick to dream up the slake-worthy libations for Opal’s holiday cocktail program that was first rolled out in fall of 2023) across restaurants within the resort collection. We’re talking specialty seasonal cocktails for autumn, Christmas and New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, even Easter and St. Patrick’s Day – always trialed and tested in Drift.

“We are always brainstorming new ways to elevate our guests’ dining experience,” says Opal’s Corporate Beverage Director Millie Wilkinson, calling out examples like designing intimate, semi-private social event spaces within a restaurant venue, signature iced seafood towers, and open-concept chef’s bars. “Our holiday cocktail program is another one of the essential ways we do that.”

Here’s a peek at the fall and winter program’s most sought-after sensational sips – plus their recipes so you can recreate at home for your own holiday celebrations.

TOP HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPES

1. The Apple Butter Old-Fashioned

Best For: Those Who Love Cocktails With Cozy, Fall Flavors

If you’re looking for a classic cocktail with a seasonal twist, this is it. “The robustness of the apple butter pairs beautifully with the subtly sweet flavors of bourbon and apple juice,” says Mathieu. “Then the orange bitters further evens out the flavors to balance the drink perfectly.” The result is a refreshing cocktail loaded with all things warm and cozy – and, with a dehydrated orange slice, cinnamon stick, and dusting of powdered sugar as the finishing garnish, it’s also beautiful, to boot.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon
• 2 oz. apple juice
• 1/2 tbsp. apple butter
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, and shake well
2. Double strain into a rocks glass with a single large ice ball or cube
3. Garnish with a dehydrated orange and cinnamon stick

2. Autumn’s Up

Best For: Adventurous Sippers Who Love a Refined Twist in Their Glass

A twist on a whiskey sour – just with a larger dose of bitters to add depth and complexity – this silky-smooth cocktail delivers a deft balance of tart and rich. “People typically only do a couple dashes of bitters, but we do more, then well blend it with the lemon and whiskey. Blending is key here: We shake it twice (once without ice, then once with ice),” says Mathieu. “Because bitters naturally cleanses the palate, this is a perfect before-dinner drink – a ‘palate prepper,’ if you will.”

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1 1/2 oz. Demerara Syrup
• 1 1/4 oz. Angostura Bitters
• 1 egg white

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake (without ice) well for 30 seconds
2. Add ice and shake well again
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick (or a sprinkle of the spice) and star anise

3. Ginger Joy

Best For: Those Who Prefer Their Drinks Crafted With Extra Love & Care

“This drink is something of an ode to my best friend who lives in Canada, where sipping on fresh ginger is a commonplace thing,” says Mathieu. But not just any old ginger beer will do: Mathieu handmakes fresh ginger wort by grinding the root, blending it with brown sugar and lemon juice, then straining it. Any of the ginger residue left over in the strainer, he dries and bakes in the oven, then mixes with salt to rim the glass. “The result is a ginger-forward cocktail, but again, balance is key here,” he says. “You also get notes of blueberry from the Crème de Cassis and vanilla from the Anejo Tequila.” While Crème de Cassis is an often-overlooked liqueur, Mathieu says they could barely keep it in stock last season as this drink was in such high demand.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. Patron Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz. Creme de Cassis
• 1 oz. fresh ginger wort
• 1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup

Instructions

1. And all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Strain over a single large ice ball or cube
3. Garnish with dehydrated lemon, candied ginger, and cranberry

4. Santa Sparkler

Best For: Those Who Love a Christmas Cocktail That Catches Eyes

This refreshing and delightfully simple-to-make cocktail was inspired by one of Mathieu’s regular bar guests who is originally from Boston. “He loves cranberries, pomegranate, and champagne, but not necessarily all rolled into one, so that’s what I did here,” he says. “Just make sure you use a dry, brut style of champagne because you want a nice balance of sweet from the juice and dry from the champagne.” This is also one of those drinks that once one person orders it, it sets off a domino effect at the bar. “It’s the garnish that does it,” says Mathieu. “I take a rosemary sprig and skewer a couple of fresh cranberries on it, roll it in simple syrup and sugar, then freeze it. It looks like freshly fallen snow on a Christmas tree.”

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. Chambord
• 1 oz. pomegranate juice
• La Marca Prosecco

Instructions

1. Add Chambord and pomegranate juice into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Strain into a chilled sugar-rimmed coupe glass
3. Top with prosecco or champagne
4. Garnish with sugared cranberry and rosemary

5. Vixen

Best For: Those Who Aren’t Afraid Of a Drink that Goes Against the Grain

Think this drink was named solely after Santa’s reindeer? “We also named it this because – like a vixen in the traditional sense – it can be an intimidating drink,” says Mathieu. He’s referring to the unique pairing of vodka with egg whites. “When you think egg whites, it’s normally in regards to bourbon or gin. Not vodka. And that can be kind of daunting for some.” Those who give it a shot find that the silky cocktail wins their heart over pretty quickly: Slightly similar to a Clover Club, it’s a complex and well-balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of citrus (from the lemon juice and orange bitters), botanicals (from pomegranate and sage), and just a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. pomegranate juice
• 3 sage leaves
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• 1 egg white

Instructions

1. Add vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, bitters, and egg white into a shaker and dry shake (without ice) for 30 seconds
2. And ice and sage leaves and shake well again
3. Double strain into a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds on a sage leave

6. The Grinch

Best For: Dessert-Drink Lovers Looking for an Extra Bit of Indulgence

“This drink is a riff on my grandmother’s favorite cocktail, the Grasshopper,” says Mathieu. “Which is a perfect holiday cocktail because the mint flavor [from the Crème de Menthe] really warms you up, from the inside out.” The difference in his version is that it’s more complexly flavored thanks to the inclusion of vanilla vodka and the use of dark Crème de Cacao (instead of light) for a richer, dark chocolate flavor. A chocolate ganache is also drizzled within the glass and frozen before pouring the libation within.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka
• 1 oz. Crème de Menthe
• 1/2 oz. Crème de Cacao Dark
• 1 oz. half and half

Instructions

1. And all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Drizzle glass with chocolate ganache (including the rim)
3. Strain over mixture over fresh ice into the glass
4. Garnish with mint sprig, chocolate stick, and chocolate shavings

The post 6 Top Holiday Cocktails To Ring in 2025 appeared first on First Leg Travels.

The winter holidays can be hard work. You have to ensure you’re making time for all the friends and family. You have to hustle to all the parties (and make sure you bring a solid side dish). Your gifts have to be thoughtful. And, if you’re the one hosting the festivities, you’ve got to do one heck of a juggling act, balancing decorating, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, entertaining. It’s a full-on production that requires the stamina of an Olympic athlete and the precision of a Michelin-star chef.

We’re not trying to sound like a Scrooge. Quite the opposite actually. Because as a seasoned luxury hotel and resort collection, this is what First Leg Travels properties thrive on: Providing first-rate service so that you can actually unburden yourself. With that in mind – and using our resorts as the prime examples – here are a handful of the most irresistible reasons to plan an escape this holiday. Think of it as the best gift you can give yourself.

1. YOU GET TO PICK YOUR PREFERRED CLIMATE

Snow or sun? Beach or wintry? If you come from a place where the Christmases are rarely white – or vice versa – this is your chance to pick precisely what you want. Set in the New York Adirondacks, Lake Placid Lodge and The Sagamore Resort serve up classic holiday scenes, complete with roaring fireplaces, snow-covered landscapes, and cozy cabin vibes. Along the New England Coast, Samoset Resort and Wentworth by the Sea pair picturesque winter atmospheres with stunning ocean views. If you’re from a cool-weather climate and longing for sunshine, Opal offers 20 South Florida-based properties – including along the Gulf, Atlantic, and in the Keys – where the weather hits its ideal temps starting in November.

2. THE HOLIDAY THEME COMES TO YOU NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

Once November rolls around, a wave of tinsel and twinkle-lights transform all 26 Opal hotel and resorts into festive finery. Yes, that includes Florida. For example, a sea of poinsettias swarm the lobby and public spaces of Sarasota’s Zota Beach Resort, while all the pictures in the on-site restaurant (Viento Kitchen + Bar) are wrapped in Christmas wall paper. At Sunset Key Cottages in Key West, the palm trees and landscaping across the 27-acre private island get decked out in enough lights to outdo Clark Griswold. The elaborate decorations at Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach even come with story time with Mrs. Claus in the lobby during Christmas week.

Of course, Opal properties in the northeast “do it up” to an equally impressive degree with Christmas trees and garlands of greenery practically permeating every corner of Lake Placid Lodge, The Sagamore Resort, and Samoset Resort. That said, nothing may be grander than the activities leading up to Christmas at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire. The annual Illumination – a spectacular lighting ceremony where the historic hotel turns on thousands of twinkling lights that adorn its iconic façade – marks the community’s official start to the holiday season. Set for December 4, 2024, the evening is always accompanied with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa, a giant gingerbread house, holiday crafts, and much more.

But if it just doesn’t feel like a holiday without a Christmas tree in your personal presence, several of our resorts (i.e. The Sagamore Resort, Hutchinson Island Resort & Spa, and Sunset Key Cottages) will stand one up prior to arrival in your suite – guests just have to be sure to request far enough ahead of time. So, when you arrive, it’s ready and waiting.

3. THE FEASTS & TREATS REQUIRE NO EFFORT ON YOUR PART

There’s something undeniably freeing when you get to sit back and let someone else do all the planning, shopping, and cooking for the holiday feast. That’s why all Opal resorts with on-site restaurants offer a variety of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s menus. Take, for example, the mouth-watering Thanksgiving holiday specials in addition to the traditional menu in Latitudes at Sunset Key Cottages. Or the all-day Christmas buffet feasts with bottomless mimosas, raw bars, and carving stations in SeaGuini at Opal Sands. Or the three-course prix-fixe Christmas evening dinners in Salt Kitchen & Bar at Wentworth by the Sea. Viento Kitchen + Bar at Zota Beach Resort even offers a family-style Thanksgiving meal, complete with a whole herb-roasted turkey for the table as well as gourmet sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed carrots, and green bean casserole. And Edgewater Beach Hotel also offers private Dining on the Sand Thanksgiving packages, where you are served your feast at a table set on a private parcel of sand at sunset, just 10 feet away from the waves.

The best part? You just dig in – no clean-up required after.

4. POP-UP SPECIALTY PROGRAMMING KEEPS EVERYONE ENTERTAINED

It’s a special time of year, so you’ll find specialty programs that make celebrating the season extra memorable across all Opal resorts and hotels. Everything from “Meet and Greets” with Santa at Opal’s Key West properties the week of Christmas to cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and scavenger hunts at The Samoset the week of Thanksgiving (if you’re looking for more mature activities, the resort also offers mixology classes in the Enoteca Lounge). One of the most beloved holiday guest traditions that takes place at The Sagamore Resort revolves around not one but two gingerbread-house-making events. The first is held the Friday after Thanksgiving, where all supplies are provided to guests in the conference center, so all families have to do is unleash their creativity on their edible masterpieces. The second is a local contest called The Great Sagamore Gingerbread Competition where locals in the community design and decorate their own gingerbread house to be displayed in the main hotel for the duration of December. Guests then vote for their favorite creation leading up until Christmas (see the top three winners in 2023 on Instagram). 

5. LOCAL FESTIVITIES DOUBLE AS A MEANS TO EXPLORE THE DESTINATION

Local holiday events and offerings provide a unique opportunity to explore a destination through its seasonal traditions – and offer something fresher than just the typical tourist attractions. In Key Largo, that translates to the annual boat parade, where Blackwater Bay lights up like Rockefeller Center as some 40 vessels – from small skiffs to large yachts decked out in elaborate holiday lights and decorations – make their annual procession down the waterway. And one of the best places to watch? Opal’s own Reefhouse Resort & Marina, set right on Blackwater Bay.

Over in Naples, Florida, the annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Gulf offer a breathtaking way to ring in the new year, where the dazzling display of pyrotechnics reflects off the waters near the iconic Naples Pier. You can actually view the spectacle from Edgewater Beach Hotel’s private beach (In fact, to make the experience extra special, the resort sets up chairs for viewing and offers picnic-style light bites and wine and champagne to enjoy while watching).

Up north, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Candlelight Stroll transforms the historical campus of Strawbery Banke into a holiday wonderland illuminated by candlelight on select weekends in December. Wentworth by the Sea can provide shuttle transportation to the historic neighborhood, where you’ll wander through the snow-dusted lanes and explore more than 30 restored homes and shops, each decorated to reflect holiday traditions from different periods of American history.

Other 2024 Holiday Festivities to Shape an Opal Stay Around

• 11/26-12/25: The “Bight” Before Christmas | Key West, Florida
• 11/29: Christmas on Main Street | Stuart, Florida
• 11/29 & 30: Lite Up the Village | Lake George, New York
• 12/6-8: Christmas by the Sea | Camden, Maine
• 12/6-31: Selby Lights in Bloom | Sarasota, Florida
• 12/6: Snow Place Like Jupiter | Jupiter, Florida
• 12/13-15: Holiday Village Stroll | Lake Placid, New York
• 12/14: Holiday Boat Parade | Clearwater, Florida

The post 5 Game-Changing Benefits of Taking Your Holidays on Vacation appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Known for their Popeye-sized, super-strong black-tipped claws, stone crabs sure have a tight grip on Florida. Not only are these pinchers particularly abundant throughout the state’s waters (especially southern Florida), but – come their harvest season – the communities go a little crazy for the crustacean, carving out headlining spots on restaurant menus, debating over the best way to serve the meat (hot versus cold, plain versus dipping sauce), and even shaping annual festivals around the beloved seafood delicacy.

So why all the scuttle over these sea-floor scuttlers? Consider this your ultimate guide to all things Florida stone crab, including why it’s so special, where to eat it, and the seafood festivals that celebrate it.

WHEN IS STONE CRAB SEASON IN FLORIDA?

Caught using baited traps, stone crabs are legal to harvest in Florida from October 15 through May 1, which is why you’ll only see the sweet meat starring local seafood menus during this specific window of the year. Outside of these months, the fishery closes to protect the species during their breeding season. This ensures a stable population for future stone crab harvest seasons.

Can You Only Find Stone Crabs in Florida?

Stone crabs can certainly be found outside of Florida, in offshore waters all the way from North Carolina down to the Yucatan. However, almost 99% of the US’s stone crab claws are harvested in Florida with the crustacean serving as the second most valuable fishery in Florida (it generates somewhere around $30 million annually). Some of their favorite habitats cluster around the areas of Tampa Bay, the Everglades (considered “The Stone Crab Capital of the World”), and the Keys. Which is why if you’re looking to score super fresh stone crab, the cities of Clearwater, Naples, and Key West are sure to deliver.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT STONE CRABS?

What exactly is a stone crab? How does it differ from other crustaceans? It turns out, not all crabs are created equal.

1. Stone Crabs Are a Sustainable Seafood Source

Unlike Dungeness or blue crabs, where fisherman harvest the whole crab, only the claws are legally permitted to be harvested on stone crabs (once they reach a certain size). When harvested properly, once being returned to the ocean, stone crabs will regenerate their claws, which means they can be harvested yet again in a future season.

While other crab species also have the ability to regrow claws, stone crabs are unique because their claws regenerate faster: adult crabs will be sporting a shiny new limb in about a year, while juvenile crabs only take a few months (as they molt more frequently than their elders).

That makes stone crab a true sustainable seafood source – able to live to scuttle another day.

2. Stone Crabs Have Sweet, Decadent Meat

With meat that is rich in natural sugars, stone crabs are perhaps best known for having a unique, sweet flavor unlike other varieties of crabs. As for texture, stone crab meat is firm and dense – similar to that of lobster or shrimp – but it’s not overly rubbery (enthusiasts describe it as the “perfect chewy consistency”). And there’s also a mild brininess to the meat that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

The Best Way to Serve Stone Crab?

Purists say the best way to eat stone crab is cold. While the meat needs to first be cooked – either boiled or steamed – a popular approach is to immediately blanch the claws after cooking (this will stop the cooking process), then serve them over a bed of ice. When chilled, the meat firms up and the sweet-and-subtle-brininess flavor is more apparent. And while you can certainly serve the claws plain or with a cup of melted butter for dipping, the traditional accompaniment is a creamy mustard sauce – the sauce’s tang and brightness complement the crab’s natural sweetness well.

3. Stone Crabs Are Incredibly Strong

A stone crab may be small, but its crusher claw – the one they use to break open the shells of mollusks, oysters, clams, and other prey for eating – can exert up to 19,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. To put that in perspective: That’s nearly four times the crushing force of a crocodile’s jaws. This impressive strength is part of what makes stone crab claws so meaty and delicious.

WHERE TO GET FLORIDA STONE CRAB?

You can find the coveted claws on restaurant menus, in local seafood markets, and can even order them online. But one of the most fun ways to enjoy stone crab is at one of Florida’s popular October stone crab festivals located near First Leg Travels properties – one held in Clearwater Beach (near Opal Sands Resort and Sandpearl Resort) and another in Naples (near Edgewater Beach Hotel and The Capri Inn).

Popular Florida Stone Crab Festivals

Stone Crab Festival in Naples, FL

10/25–27, 2024

Celebrating its fourteenth season in 2024, this community-wide fest takes over the historic waterfront of Naples, including the locations of Tin City, Bayfront, Crayton Cove, and the Naples City Dock. The three-day event always commences on the Friday evening with the mayor cracking the inaugural stone crab at Tin City, followed by live entertainment from the Soapy Tuna Band. The rest of the weekend is filled with vendors, music, special activities for the kids, discounted festival pricing for boat cruises, and, of course, all the locally harvested claws you can eat.

• Where to Stay for Naples Stone Crab Festival:
  • Edgewater Beach Hotel: This Naples vacation resort boasts a coveted beachfront setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and over 100 modern suites.
  • The Capri Inn: This 59-room Naples, FL boutique hotel offers newly renovated accommodations, a private two-bedroom cottage perfect for longer stays, and a tranquil, secluded pool.

Frenchy’s Stone Crab Weekend in Clearwater Beach, FL

10/25–26, 2024

What better way to usher in the Florida stone crab season than with a block party offering discounted prices for the coveted claws? This is what makes this annual, Friday-through-Saturday block party – now celebrating its 40th year – so sought after: All the fresh-off-the-boat claws supplied by Frenchy’s Stone Crab Company are sold at cost as a way to thank all the loyal seafood customers over the years. Throw in live music, food and drink specials, raffles with proceeds benefiting charity, and you’ve got the makings of one worthy weekend spent in Clearwater.

• Where to Stay for Frenchy’s Stone Crab Weekend:
  • Opal Sands Resort: This contemporary Clearwater Beach retreat boasts 230 gulf-front guest rooms and suites and a zero-entry pool just steps from the beach.
  • Sandpearl Resort: This beloved Florida Gulf Coast hotel boasts a 700-foot stretch of pristine beach, delicious dining, and 253 recently renovated guest rooms and suites.

Florida’s Most Popular Stone Crab Restaurants

When stone crab is in season, you can expect to see the colossal claws in Latitudes, a signature First Leg Travels restaurant with locations in Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, Delray Sands, and Sunset Key Cottages. In fact, in Jupiter and Delray’s locations, they always are a popular pick – displayed within full view on a mound of ice in the chef seafood galley – and served with a smorgasbord of other seafood options in the restaurants’ popular shellfish towers. Other iconic stone crab restaurants in Florida include Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood, City Seafood in Everglades City, and The Fish House in Key Largo.

Order Florida Stone Crabs Online

You can also order stone crab to be delivered straight to your door – wherever that might be. When ordering online, you’ll generally find stone craws categorized by size: medium (up to 3 ounces), large (3–5 ounces), jumbo (5–7 ounces), and colossal (7+ ounces). Packed with ice or insulated containers, they’re often shipped pre-cooked and frozen to preserve their freshness. For reputable seafood suppliers and fish markets in Florida that offer delivery, consider Key Largo Fisheries, Frenchy’s Stone Crab & Seafood Market, and Fresh Stone Crabs.

The post Stone Crab Season in Florida: What to Know & Where to Get It appeared first on First Leg Travels.

If there’s anyone who knows how to do holistic living right, it’s world-renowned celebrity esthetician and skincare savant Tammy Fender. Which is why we’ve tapped this South Florida native to share a few ways to weave wellness into a Friday-through-Sunday Delray Beach stay at Opal Grand Resort & Spa – including stops at her on-site award-winning spa sanctuary.

Ever since Tammy Fender was a little girl, she knew there was something special – something healing – about the destination of Delray Beach. “I grew up coming here, walking the beach, and there’s a specific energy that draws people interested in healing,” says Fender. Which is why, in 2020 and 2021, when she was looking to open a second location of her award-winning spa (she launched her lauded West Palm Beach location in 2003), she naturally turned her sights to Delray Beach and the then-new resort property of Opal Grand Resort & Spa.

The result is what is now an equally award-winning 8,000-square-foot wellness haven – a sprawling sanctuary located just past Opal Grand’s lobby that is imbued with serenity around every corner, down to the signature black tea, a blend carefully crafted by Fender herself that is served upon arrival. But, in terms of services, what you’ll find here is more than a mere massage. All-natural, hand-crafted skincare formulated by Fender herself comes coupled with guided meditation, silence therapy, and energy work (like reflexology). In fact, before any treatment even begins, you first go through a diagnostic exercise – called an essential oil reading – where you sit with 13 different plant essences to find which appeal most to you at that very moment. Those specific selections are then worked into your treatment, which is custom-made right there in the spa’s blending room. It’s a true holistic mind-body wellness experience custom to each individual.

So how else do you keep that healing going while on a Delray Beach, Florida vacation? You incorporate some of these additional practices and local stops, recommended by Fender herself.

FRIDAY, DAY 1

Shake Off the Travel Stress at the On-Site Tammy Fender Holistic Spa

After your afternoon check-in, one of the best ways to ease yourself into your wellness escape is by kicking it off with a fan-favorite Tammy Fender treatment. In particular, we’re talking about the Signature Facial which includes reflexology followed by the Custom Holistic Massage. “These two treatments are our classics and the ones everyone loves and talks about,” says Fender. Why? Because it’s a head-to-toe experience that lulls your entire being into a deep calm – yet doesn’t make you tired. “It actually brings a fresh radiance to your mind and body,” says Fender.

Wind Down for the Night Wisely

To ensure a calm, easy foundation for the days to follow, Fender suggests first creating an atmosphere conducive for a good night’s sleep. “Power down the screens as early as you can and embrace the golden hour – that last hour before sunset,” says Fender. There’s no better place for that than Opal Grand’s private balconies. “You get such a beautiful ocean breeze there – just sitting and observing nature will support good sleep.”

Another way she likes to create a sense of calm – especially when traveling and not in her normal home setting – is with two of her own products: Bulgarian Rose Water, which she spritzes on her pillow, and Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil (also a favorite of Kate Upton), which she massages into her neck. “These two products are incredible sleep allies, slowing down the body systems and creating an aura of peaceful rest.”

SATURDAY, DAY 2

Stroll the Beach at Dawn

“Any time of day is a great time to stroll the beach, but I find early morning walks – before the rest of the world has awoken – so meditative,” says Fender, who also says she feels so fortunate that the spa overlooks the ocean, “one of our greatest healers.” And a big part of what makes this particular two-mile stretch of golden sand so serene is that it’s largely undeveloped. In fact, that’s just one of the reasons it won “Best Beach in Florida” in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Visit The Delray Beach Green Market

If you’re visiting between the months of October through July, you should always reserve your Saturday mornings for perusing this open-air market located on the Old School Square grounds off Atlantic Ave. “It’s a very well-curated market where I like to sample some local fresh flavors,” says Fender. In fact, she likes to beeline to her favorite vendor, Gratitude Garden Farm, an organic farm out of Loxahatchee that is the go-to produce purveyor for many of Palm Beach County’s top restaurants. “They are especially known for their gourmet mushrooms,” adds Fender. “What better way to promote well-being than by engaging with the locals and their agriculture.”

Stretch Things Out with Your Next Massage

Back at the Tammy Fender Holistic Spa, it’s time for your next treatment. “The Thai Yoga Massage is a personal favorite of mine because it incorporates a beautiful stretching technique guided by your therapist,” says Fender. “Whereas the previous day’s treatment was all about calming the muscles, this is now about opening them.” Follow that up with a Botanical Body Wrap – featuring a detoxifying dry-brush treatment and a custom blend of botanicals – to leave your body deeply hydrated.

Dinner in Drift

You’ll find high-quality food to fuel you at Opal Grand’s signature restaurant, everything from house-made pasta and freshly baked breads to locally-farmed produce and fresh seafood and beef. While some of the specialty dishes include branzino with warm asparagus salad and pan-seared grouper with parsnip-potato puree and root vegetable caponata, Fender suggests accenting your meal with at least one of the following dishes: the Moroccan hummus plate and/or the beets and burrata salad. “The hummus appetizer has beautiful organic vegetables and the salad is so good with the roasted golden beets, whipped burrata, and local honey.”

SUNDAY, DAY 3

Start with a Healthy Snack

Located right across from the Tammy Fender Holistic Spa, Beach Market Cafe is another Opal Grand dining outlet that specializes in healthy grab-n-go style dishes. While Fender is a big fan of the Green Smoothie (a power blend including baby spinach, kale, Fiji apple, and avocado that they often serve in the spa), the well-crafted menu also includes other organic smoothies, as well as acai bowls and salads. “Anything from there will energize you for the day ahead,” says Fender.

Prolong the Sense of Calm You’ve Created

For your third Tammy Fender treatment, it’s all about locking in the wellness work you’ve done with a Foundational Matrix Facial, followed by a Subtle Touch Therapy session. The facial targets connective tissue and helps with micro-circulation and collagen enhancement, while Subtle Touch is about balancing the energy with a personalized guided meditation and gentle touch. “The energy therapy engages the parasympathetic nervous system to really relax you and to prolong that sense of calm,” says Fender. “Clients say it leaves them feeling very light, almost like they are floating. It’s a very ethereal type of treatment.”

Stroll Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

It wouldn’t be a wellness escape in Delray without squeezing in a visit to this gem of meditative nature center, dedicated to celebrating Japanese culture. While the museum buildings house an impressive collection of Japanese art and artifacts and hosts all kinds of workshops, classes, and cultural demonstrations, the biggest draw might just be its 16 acres of stunning tranquil gardens interlaced with strolling paths and peppered with bonsai, waterfalls, and stone lanterns. “There’s a lot of reflective stopping points, where you can sit on beautiful benches and reflect on all the beauty around you,” says Fender. In fact, this is where Fender likes to journal and – inspired by all the plants around her – dream up formulations. “It’s where I’ve created many of my spa services.”

OTHER WAYS TO WELLNESS IN DELRAY BEACH, FL

A few other wellness activities to consider working into your Delray Beach, Florida vacation.

Thursday Evening Sound Bath Experiences

Held weekly year-round on Thursday evenings and available to locals and Opal Grand guests alike, the Tammy Fender Holistic Spa hosts a sound bath and cacao ceremony in the private relaxation room overlooking the ocean. What is a sound bath? It’s a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that uses sound waves – produced by a gong, crystal singing bowls, and koshi chimes – to nurture your mind and body.

Delray Beach Tennis Center

“An important part of a vacation wellness regime is staying active and getting your heart rate up,” says Fender, who likes to do just that with a stop at this full-service public tennis facility located just off the palm-lined Atlantic Ave. Not only can you reserve a court – there are 14 clay courts, six hard courts, and eight pickleball courts – or book a lesson, but the 8,200-seat stadium hosts a number of elite tournaments throughout the year, including the 10-day Delray Beach Open, an ATP event that is televised nationally.

The Montana Method

Nestled in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove District, this fitness studio – owned by local Montana Globerman – offers drop-in classes, where you can try this wildly popular and very unique full-body workout that incorporates elements of pilates, barre, dance, and yoga. And, if you’re visiting sometime around October 19, Globerman will actually be leading a morning yoga class that day at Elevate, Opal Grand’s new rooftop dining outlet, in collaboration with the resort and Tammy Fender.

Coming-Soon: The Tammy Fender Spritz Cart

You’ve seen bar carts, but this one – custom-designed by the Tammy Fender Holistic Spa – is quite a refreshing twist, literally. That’s because it’s going to be serving up hand-crafted Tammy Fender tonics and herbal, floral waters. Starting sometime this fall, expect to see the spritz cart stationed at various spots around Opal Grand’s property, including the lobby at check-in hours, the pool, Elevate, and more.

The post Your 3-Day Wellness Guide to Delray Beach, Florida appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Autumn always comes early – and lasts longer – in the Adirondacks. And Lake Placid offers plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the season, from fall-flavored beers and film fests to perfect leaf-peeping places to post up and enjoy the rolling patchwork of color.

Surrounded by the Adirondack High Peaks, boreal forests, and languid lakes, the Lake Placid region sure is something to look at in any season. But there’s something about the sights, sounds, and smells of fall that really sears itself into your memory. That might just be because the Adirondacks – along with being the largest protected area in the contiguous United States – boasts one of the longest and most spectacular fall foliage seasons in the country. Using the Great Camp-inspired retreat of Lake Placid Lodge as your launching pad, here are a few of our favorite ways to shape your fall stay.

TOP LAKE PLACID FALL ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Hit a Fall Hike with a Legendary Adirondack Guide

There’s no one who knows the Adirondack’s six-million-acre forested wilderness quite like Ed Kanze, whose family roots in this region date back seven impressive generations (they first settled here in 1795). And lucky for you, Lake Placid Lodge has recruited the naturalist and former park ranger to offer intimate nature sessions/hikes that meet at the lodge every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.

But this is more than a hike. The sessions start with a casual fireside chat where Kanze answers any and all questions guests may have about the Adirondacks, like the region’s most unique animals, his favorite trails, and more. He can even tailor the talk to focus just on autumn ecology in the area. From there, it’s time to hit the woods for a leisurely hike in the Mckenzie Mountain Wilderness, one of the most remote and wildest parts of the Adirondacks – and also the area Lake Placid Lodge borders.  

Double Your Fall Foliage Views on Local Languid Lakes

There’s a reason they call it Lake “Placid” and “Mirror” Lake. Located within mere minutes of each other – Lake Placid on the southern edge of McKenzie Mountain Wilderness and Mirror Lake in the center of the village of Lake Placid – these adjacent lakes are some of the most tranquil bodies of water you will ever encounter. And that means autumn colors are perfectly reflected in their stillness from the shoreline trees and surrounding Adirondack mountains. Take in the views on Mirror Lake with the 2.7-mile loop stroll that encircles the 128-acre, one-mile-long lake. For guests who stay at Lake Placid Lodge, the best way to immerse yourself in our namesake lake is by kayak or a tour aboard Christie, the lodge’s 35-foot mahogany Hacker Craft.

Savor the Signature Maple Crème Soft Serve at Emma’s

Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery may be small in stature. Still, this Main Street ice cream outpost sure packs some big flavors thanks to a surprisingly wide inventory of sweets – a sampling includes an impressive selection of flavored cones, 16 varieties of hard ice cream, milkshakes ranging in flavors from churro to fruity pebbles, 12 types of whoopie pies, and even bags of gourmet marshmallows. But come fall, there’s one concoction that locals crave the most in this candy-striped, 50s-style ice cream parlor: the signature maple crème soft serve. Get it in a dark chocolate cone with chocolate sprinkles (a favorite local combo), in a milkshake, or opt to sample it in one of their creative sundaes. We’re partial to the Maple Monkey, blending the signature soft serve with cinnamon monkey bread, maple syrup, and hot caramel.

Make a Fall-Scented Candle at Pure Placid

You could simply opt to purchase one of the already-made fall-scented candles at Pure Placid, like Cashmere Sweater (featuring notes of frothed cream, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla) or Sunday Morning (maple, cinnamon, and balsam). Or you could book a candle-making class at their on-site candle bar, get creative, and make your own based on the scents you most associate with autumn. The Main Street-based retailer offers a variety of classes to choose from, including both instructor-led and self-guided options, as well as kid-oriented classes.

Sample a Seasonal Beer at Big Slide

Housed in a former warehouse space about a mile-and-a-half from Lake Placid’s Main Street, Big Slide Brewery and Public House is known for its experimental beers – including ones that are aged, soured, or wild-fermented. Which is why, come fall, you can always expect to find some unique releases in this low-key industrial-style brewery that tip a hat to the classic flavors of the season. Past creations have included an amber ale brewed with roasted sweet potato and pumpkin, an imperial stout aged in barrels that previously held local maple syrup, and a kettle sour made from freshly pressed apple cider from a local orchard.

Get Sky-High Foliage Views with Little Effort

Photo courtesy of the Olympic Jumping Complex

Want to take in the Lake Placid region’s sprawling mountaintop fall foliage views, but not put in the mileage, manpower, and time required to get to such an elevation? Look no further than the twin ski jumps – used in the 1980 Winter Games – and the Skyride Experience at Lake Placid’s Olympic Jumping Complex.

Here, for just a $20 ticket, a new state-of-the-art pulse gondola whisks you up and over the football field-length landing hill to the base of the two ski jump towers for your first glance at the breathtaking perspective. But it’s not over yet. From there, you’ll take a 45-second ride aboard a glass-enclosed elevator to the top of the 128-meter ski jump tower (that’s equal to a 26-story ride), enjoying views of Lake Placid and nearby John Brown’s Farm as you ascend. At the top, you’ll step out to the sky deck – a small outdoor observation area – where you’ll look down at the dizzying jump that scores of gutsy skiers have hurled themselves from as well as take in 360-degree views of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks aflame in autumn color.

TOP 2024 LAKE PLACID FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Whiteface Oktoberfest, 9/21 & 22

Set at the base of 4,867-foot Whiteface Mountain – home to the greatest vertical drop on the East Coast – this weekend-long, Bavarian-style celebration has been rated one of the “5 Must-Visit Oktoberfests in North America” by SKI Magazine. And for good reason, too: You can expect everything from authentic dress (be sure to bring your lederhosen), a high-stepping German dance troop, and crowd-pleasing powerhouse oompah bands to scenic gondola rides, schnitzel, flammkuchen (German pizza), and, of course, plenty of local frosty brews.

Flaming Leaves Festival, 10/12 & 13

It may look like your typical fall fest with live entertainment, food and beer, vendor booths, and lots of local color scattered across the grounds of the Olympic Jumping Complex. But one thing you’ll only ever see at this Friday-through-Sunday annual event? Soaring ski jumpers – actually about 20 of the world’s best from nine different countries who sail through the sky on the complex’s twin ski jumps. That’s because the whole event hinges around one of the premier ski jumping events of the season, the FIS Continental Cup. So you get to witness more than just a stunning view of the Adirondack High Peaks peppered with a patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows, but a high-flying spectacle rooted in Olympic greatness.

Lake Placid Film Festival, 11/7–10

Most times out of the year, folks flock to the village of Lake Placid to immerse themselves in its Olympic heritage. But during this annual, four-day event – now in its 23rd year – anything related to the Games takes a backseat when filmmakers, actors, and general cinephiles from around the country descend on this quaint community for its celebration of cutting-edge features and award-winning shorts. And we’re not just talking showings of anniversary classic films and productions by Adirondack and Upstate New York filmmakers in places like the Palace Theater and the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, but engaging mixers, educational seminars, and moving tributes, as well.

The post Top Activities & Attractions to Soak Up Lake Placid in the Fall appeared first on First Leg Travels.

The days already seem to be getting shorter, back-to-school commercials are invading our TVs, and we’re beginning to think about those things that we meant to do this summer but haven’t gotten to yet. But, hey, it’s certainly not too late. Here, we highlight six summer things to do in Opal resort and hotel destinations before summer finally takes its last breath.

SPOT WHALES – & OTHER MARINE WILDLIFE – ON A WHALE WATCH TOUR | Bar Harbor, ME

There’s no more quintessential New England summer experience than going on a whale watch. Because summer is when these giants of the sea migrate to the Gulf of Maine to feast on plankton, fish, sand eels, and more before migrating back down to their breeding grounds in the West Indies come October. Maine’s largest boating tour company, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers up to two daily whale-watching tours with a high whale-sighting success rate. That said, given that these wild animals are unpredictable, if no whales are spotted on your trip, your ticket serves as a voucher to go out on another watch within the next three years.

• Where to Stay in Bar Harbor, ME: West Street Hotel | Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina 
• Related Reading: A Q&A With Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.’s Lead Naturalist

MAKE A SPLASH AT DUBOIS PARK | Jupiter, FL

Located on the banks of the Loxahatchee River within view of the iconic towering Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, this scenic waterfront park is a tucked-away slice of paradise and a favorite summertime oasis among locals. While visitors love the shaded pavilions, grills, and well-maintained playground, the biggest draw is the shallow guarded lagoon area for its turquoise water and colorful fish that rival what you would find in the Caribbean. Perfect for first-time doggy-paddlers and snorkelers alike, the swimming area is bordered by a mix of beach and lush vegetation, making for a perfect perch to lazily watch the parade of boats come and go through Jupiter Inlet.

• Where to Stay in Jupiter, FL: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
• Related Reading: Your Guide to Jupiter, Florida

EXPLORE THE HISTORIC HOUSES OF STRAWBERY BANKE | Portsmouth, NH

Unlike traditional museums with static displays and indoor collections, this preserved seventeenth-century Portsmouth neighborhood (the oldest in New Hampshire) is a living, breathing historical campus, home to 39 historic houses occupied by artisans and costumed reenactors. But this is not just a snapshot of a single era – it’s a patchwork capturing the neighborhood’s evolution over 350 years, including an 1870 mansion owned by a former New Hampshire governor, a 1950s home (pictured), and World War II-era mom-and-pop market.

• Where to Stay near Portsmouth, NH: Wentworth by the Sea
• Related Reading: 5 Places to Glimpse Wentworth by the Sea History

INDULGE IN THE BEST OF PIER 60’S OPEN-AIR ACTIVITIES | Clearwater Beach, FL

Clearwater may already be known as home to one of America’s top beaches. But that shouldn’t overshadow the other landmark that makes Gulf Coast vacations so memorable. We’re talking about the neighboring 1,000-foot concrete pier – known as Pier 60 – that is more than just a pretty stroll over the ocean. In fact, you could pack a whole day of to-dos here with activities like fishing (day passes are only $8), jet ski rentals, and, perhaps most beloved, taking in the nightly Sunset Celebration that brings out about 30 vendors who peddle their wares in the open-air environment.

• Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach, FL: Sandpearl Resort | Opal Sands Resort
• Related Reading: Our One-Day Itinerary to the Best of Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60

EXPERIENCE FLORIDA’S NUMBER 1 BEACH | Delray Beach, FL

With no high rises or excessive development, it’s no wonder Delray’s municipal beach secured “Best Beach in Florida” in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Deeded to the city in 1899 – but only with the promise of preservation – this two-mile stretch of golden sand is the centerpiece of any Palm Beach County vacation thanks to consistently temped waters hovering around 73 degrees and all the amenities needed for a beach day (chair, umbrella, and cabana rentals).

• Where to Stay in Delray Beach, FL:  Delray Sands Resort | The Atlantic Suites on The Ave, | Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa
• Related Reading: 5 Reasons Delray Beach Was Voted Number One Beach in Florida

CRUISE IN STYLE ON ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST SCENIC LAKES | Lake George, NY

If you didn’t have the opportunity to live it up on a lake this season yet, then you still have plenty of chances when you stay The Sagamore Resort, perched on a private island in Lake George. And one of the most popular ways to see this famous body of water, known as the “Queen of the American Lakes?” Via The Morgan, the resort’s 72-foot replica of a nineteenth-century touring vessel featuring an open-air top deck for fantastic views of the surrounding Adirondacks. Daily cruises run through The Narrows, a particularly famous and narrow section of the lake peppered with small islands, that larger vessels are not able to frequent – that is, unlike the maneuverable and nimble Morgan.  

• Where to Stay in Lake George, NY: The Sagamore Resort
• Related Reading: 7 Reasons The Sagamore is a Condé Nast Traveler “Most-Booked” Hotel

The post 6 Last Chances for Summer appeared first on First Leg Travels.

You heard correctly: Mr. Brown’s Pub – a longtime staple of the dining outlets at The Sagamore Resort – has transitioned to become a gourmet burger restaurant. For the devout fans of Brown’s, though: Don’t fret. It still features the same Adirondack vibe. The main difference is that the pub-style menu has received a burger-centric boost…and these are anything but your average beef patties.

Out of the eight in-season dining outlets that call The Sagamore Resort home, the restaurant – formerly known as Mr. Brown’s Pub – may not be the largest. But it’s definitely one of the most Adirondack-oriented in terms of atmosphere: wood-lined walls, rough-hewn chairs and tables, gleaming post and beams, and antler chandeliers that make for stunning focal points. It’s the kind of warm and cozy that begs for a warm and cozy pub menu, which it has been serving up – for more than 15 years.

However, now (as of May 2024), with its transformation into BRGR Kitchen & Bar, that menu has received a beefy (pun intended) update, centering around a juicy lineup of gourmet burgers.

FROM BROWN’S TO BURGERS: THE SCOPE OF THE REFRESH

Named after Myron O. Brown, the first general manager of The Sagamore Resort, Mr. Brown’s Pub has been a longtime staple of the dining roster at the historic Lake George hotel. “Come winter, it was always especially a fan-favorite because of that inviting atmosphere and the pub-style menu that warms you from the inside out,” says Brent Bliss, food and beverage director of the resort.

Despite being beloved, however, it was time for an update. Yes, BRGR is still a pub-style menu, but totally refreshed with an elevated angle (more on that below). As for that Adirondack vibe, that remains – with a few new touches. “All the furniture and décor is the same, but we’ve added a fun new ‘We Love Burgers’ sign done in the LED bulb marquee letters and a wall with large Scrabble tiles that says ‘Meet. Eat. Drink.’” says Bliss.

If you’ve ever stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort – a sibling Opal resort just outside of St. Pete on the Gulf Coast of Florida – these little playful touches will look familiar. That’s because BRGR Kitchen & Bar is a signature First Leg Travels restaurant, now with multiple locations. “Because it’s been so successful in Florida, it made sense to try the formula here – the lake is such a natural place for this type of fun, family-friendly, and approachable fare.”

THE BURGER LINEUP: THE JUICY DETAILS

So what’s so special about these burgers versus the hockey pucks that come wrapped in parchment paper at a fast-food joint? For one, it’s a premier patty, made from an Opal signature custom beef grind with just the perfect ratio of texture, flavor, and fat. That means it’s plump, juicy, and with a nice char that gives way to tender meat within. And two, the signature burgers offer way more variety beyond just lettuce, tomato, and onion (although, you can get that in the burger called The All-American!).

Bliss, himself, listed off a few of the burgers he was most excited for: The Attitude, featuring aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes, local lettuce, applewood smoked bacon and a dollop of roasted garlic aioli; and The Nooner. “The Nooner levels up your burger game, topped with fried egg, avocado, and crispy onions in addition to bacon and cheddar cheese,” says Bliss.

But it’s not just beef patties here: There’s a lamb burger (aptly named the Little Bo-Peep), a turkey burger, a plant-based burger, and even a fish burger. “There’s something sure to please everyone’s taste buds, not to mention, a variety of toppings, so, if one of the signature burgers isn’t striking your fancy, you can build your own just the way you like it,” he says. And when he mentions toppings, we’re talking 20 or so accoutrements, ranging from fried eggs and roasted peppers to IPA-braised onions and grilled portobello mushrooms. The toasted brioche bun is also a custom item made just for Opal, with the option of a gluten-free version, as well.

If you’re looking to go bun-less, make your order “naked.” Or, even better, consider one of the six Burger Bowls – a beautiful marriage of burger, salad, and sauce loaded into bowl.

MORE THAN JUST PATTYS & BUNS

While the burger is obviously the star on the menu, it’s hardly the only item to sink your teeth into. And that was important to Bliss. “Repeat guests certainly had their favorite dishes at Mr. Browns, and they weren’t always burgers,” he says. “But I’m excited to say some of the formerly most popular dishes do have a counterpart in this menu.” That includes steak frites, roasted chicken, fish and chips, hot wings, and spinach and artichoke dip.

There’s also several brand new (non-burger) items that Bliss sees flying off the shelf, including artisan cheese boards , the dips – especially the roasted fennel and white-bean spread with bourbon bacon jam – and the blistered shishito peppers.

All in all, it’s a perfect mix of timeless and new blended into an elevated pub-style menu.

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