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Manchester
defines itself as New
Hampshire’s commercial and industrial centre
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Spotlight on Travel - Mike Cohen
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MANCHESTER,
NH-
Recognized as New Hampshire’s commercial and industrial
leader, as well as its largest city and the home of nearly 10 percent
of its population, Manchester (www.manchestercvb.com)
is only 58 miles from Boston.
My family and I recently experienced our second visit to Manchester.
Six years ago we stayed here on the way back home from Cape Cod and
Rhode Island. This time it was upon our return from Southern Maine.
The city first gained
national fame
in the 1800s as the home of the massive textile mill of the Amoskeag
Manufacturing Company. Today it is home to a melting pot of high tech
companies, banks, business services enterprises, retailers,
manufacturers and health care professionals. Commerce is just
one part
of Manchester's appeal. The city is also the focal point of the state's
cultural community and home to many of the region's eight colleges and
universities. Cultural institutions such as the Currier Gallery of Art
and Palace Theatre join with the new Verizon Wireless Arena and outdoor
concert venues to attract world-class performers and exhibits to the
city.
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The elegant Highlander
Inn has 66
comfortable rooms and has been
welcoming guests since the 1800s.
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Performances,
exhibits,
classes, workshops and lectures are
offered to the general public at many of the area's institutions of
higher education. Other city attractions include the Manchester
Historic Association, Franco-American Centre, and the SEE Science
Center.
On my previous stop in Manchester I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the
Highlander Inn (www.highlanderinn.com).
So it was automatic that I would book a stay there again. The
Highlander features 33 beautifully landscaped acres. This full-service
facility includes the elegant 66-room Highlander Inn, with
Basil’s Restaurant and Lounge, the 22-room New England
country-style Bed & Breakfast, and the Conference Center, which
accommodates up to 200 guests for corporate and social events.
Highlighted by a two-story fieldstone fireplace, the main reception
area of the Highlander reflects the elegant,
relaxed atmosphere that it has been fostering since its beginnings as a
boarding house in the 1800s. The Jacuzzi and full parlour
suites are perfectly suited for a family. Decorated in traditional
English Country, the hotel and guest rooms elegantly combine a relaxing
country atmosphere with all the modern amenities of a corporate hotel.
The rooms are sound proof; and what I like about them most is the fact
when you book a suite, there are two doors to the washroom. Therefore
if a child is sleeping on the hide-a-bed, they will not have to travel
through your room and wake you in the morning.
If you are here during the summer months keep in mind that the Inn does
not have pool. They did at one time, but officials there felt it was
being underutilized. We arrived on a scorching hot summer day, did some
research and discovered that the Livingston Park Public Pool was only
about 15 minutes away via Highway 93. What a beautiful facility! It has
a nice water slide, changing rooms and concessions. The lifeguards take
a break every hour and clear the pool. Call first at 503-624-6565 since
some hours are reserved for residents only. You can call the Highlander
toll-free: 1-800-548-9248.
Basils Restaurant is on-site, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Monday through Friday and breakfast and dinner Saturday and Sunday.
Widely acclaimed for its specialties prepared by award-winning chefs,
Basil's offers traditional elegance combined with the warmth
of home. There’s also a full room service menu. We took
advantage of the free continental breakfast, the highlight being making
your own waffles from scratch.
Manchester Airport is a 30 second drive from the Inn and served by
major airlines..
The Mall of New Hampshire (http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=337)
makes shopping easy and convenient and it is one simple exit way from
the Highlander. Favorite department stores such as Macy's, JC
Penney, Sears, and Best Buy serve as anchors. The mall also
offers 125 specialty stores, four full-service restaurants,
and a 550-seat Food Court
Mike
Cohen’s email address is info@mikecohen.ca.
Log on to his travel advice column at www.sandboxworld.com/travel
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