MANCHESTER DOWNTOWN HOTEL

Everything Perfect, Everything Pleasing for that “I don’t Want to Leave Feeling”

What a wonderful experience staying at New Hampshire’s Manchester Downtown Hotel. The hotel embodies class with just the right amount of excitement and peace. 

Unassuming from the outside, its welcoming interior is enriched with cherry-wood panelling, cathedral high walls awash in calming neutral colours. 

These favourable features are heightened by lots of stunning space, ultra-comfort high-end amenities and facilities that appeal to every type of guest: convention goers, athletes, bridal couples and their party (no matter the size) rocks stars, including Ozzy Osborne, moguls, dignitaries, and normal folk (like me). Media people covering the US primaries stayed here, as have presidents. 

The Downtown Manchester Hotel is the accommodation hub for those coming from all corners of North America and beyond.

The amply staffed reception never keeps you waiting. Despite my many queries or favours asked, they delivered every time. It seems nothing is beyond their reach. They're up to the challenge; they make it all happen for you. They did for me. And I had some doozy demands.

Despite all the action, there’s a notable lack of noise no matter where you are in this airy hotel, and  best of all, there are no line-ups at the friendly front desk. That’s part of the subtle magic here, helped along by the best organizers, event planners and managers in the business, such as Kim Roy, General Manager of the hotel since 2004. Formerly the Radisson, the hotel’s name changed to the Downtown Manchester Hotel in February of 2017. But that’s not all that changed.

Kim told me about all the new spaces being made will finish in October of this year – when it will be a Doubletree by Hilton. They’ve already completed the room renos. “We’re making a Hilton Honours Lounge along with a state-of-the-art midsized video space just opposite the Club. I saw these two new ingenious spaces materializing midway before me on the main floor past the elevators. Even a new restaurant is in the works. I ate at the present one; the buffet breakfast was a delicious, totally fresh feast. The fruit variety was outstanding, and the sausages were sensational.

A Welcoming Winner

Despite new beginnings, Manchester Downtown Hotel will always maintain its signature qualities: extraordinary space that doesn’t overwhelm; warmth, friendliness and extraordinary service. To me, its four-star rating seems misguided; this favourite hotel surpasses many of the highest ranking American and European hotels I’ve set my suitcase in.  A hotel can be elegant and dazzling, but Manchester Downtown Hotel avoids pretension. Authentic, it needs no $15,000 vases and kitschy statues standing in the lobby to win you over, yet art is certainly evident here. It begins right at your feet!

A Remarkable Rug that Reflects a City Wonder

You need only walk on the stunning exclusively-made massive blue and golden rug in front of the ballroom which also continues down the corridor whose walls are laden with paintings created by local artists.

 Interesting to know that the rug’s design reflects the colours and flow of the Merrimack River. Its gentle waters amble past Manchester’s historical millyard district. 

Now used for businesses, these red brick buildings once housed textiles factories. The Millyard Museum nearby details this history. 

                                             

             

                                                              Shall We Dance?

I began to grasp the immensity of the hotel upon entering the Four Rivers Ballroom. It's over 3000 square feet. Behind it, another 11,800 square feet announce the centuries-old armoury with its back brick wall.

                                     A stunning nuptial paradise

 Magnificently Multi-functional

Not only used for weddings, the Four Rivers Ballroom was the site for the New Hampshire Antique Show – the largest of its kind in New England.  People began lining up early in the morning. 

 Every Guest Room Gorgeously Creates Your Personal At-Home Haven

Twelve floors accommodate 248 rooms, including six suites: the Presidential, three Executives and two Junior Executives.

My room  was big and unbelievably comfy. It was classified as a standard. WOW! 

Partial view of my room

There was not only a gorgeous comfy love seat, but a huge TV was set into the wall over a long table that stretched at least 12 feet. All executive suites come with either king or queen size beds, but doubles can be had.

Countless pillows offered pampering comfort. Best of all, my bathroom was rich and sleek. Again the Zen feeling continues achieving total tranquility, not only because of the lovely layout and furnishings, but also because of sound-proof walls and ceiling. How nice is that!?

                                  Visit the website at end of article to get more visuals of rooms

Brilliant Bathroom Beauty

A gleaming black marble counter top framed my sink and the shower walls were done in a rich chocolate brown marble.  Finally, this hotel makes a built-in shelf in the shower to put the complimentary toiletries on, and there's a metal grasp handle on the inner wall of the bathroom for safety. The sensible and the sensual combination harmonize in this lovely private space.

Pool and Terrace Perfection.

Step in the indoor cozy Jacuzzi – big enough for three people, max. I like that; no one is hitting your feet. Its clean very warm turquoise water is silky soft and the jets are pressured just right. 

The big pool right in front of this Jacuzzi is heated too. I would come here every day to relax.  I was always alone; it was so peaceful. I have to say this seems to be a key asset to the hotel. Maybe I got lucky, but this has been designed to enhance and respect the need for people to have space and down-time. The peaceful area always beckoned me; it's was relaxing to swim in at any time of day.

Opening the glass doors to rest and read on one of the cushioned lounge chairs, I could admire the  panorama in front of me  of rooftops, steeples – all backed by the rolling White Mountains. The view was so captivating, I stopped brining up my book to read, so I could simply savour the almost 360-degree view. The magic is undeniable. You feel on top of the world, with open unobstructed sky, but reality is, this very expansive terrace and pool is only on the hotel’s third floor – as is the adjacent work-out gym and spa. Another brilliant design at the hotel.

Around Town

The Manchester Downtown Hotel’s location is convenience at its finest.  Step outside and you land on Elm Street – the hip place for restaurants to display not only their menu but their sense of humour as well.

Funky bars and one-of-a-kind cafes line the street. I was only in town for six days, and I hadn’t begun to bite into all the stuff here. Strolling along the side streets I admired the old New England architecture, buildings of character housing a myriad of artsy shops. 

Out of the City and Into Nature

Time for immersing myself in nature. Driving out of the super clean, huge indoor parking lot, I headed for Uncanoonuc Mountains. Twenty minutes later, I arrived at a lush forest with a warren of trails. I chose the 1,325 foot-high "white dot” trail – a difficult hike, but well worth it. 

Summit Silence with a view. 

The next day, I walked to Derryfield Park to follow the two kilometre-ascent up to the historical Observatory, and then beyond to the ski hill.

A Museum, A Loon Photographer and Fun Filling the Belly

There 's so much to enjoy in Manchester, including outdoor concerts during Summer Fest. This happens across the street from the hotel. 

I attended the Wizard of Oz live performance at the Palace Theatre only a ten- minute walk away. With art in mind, I visited the astonishing Currier Museum. 

Further afield, Kayaking on Lake Massabesic with the world-renowned loon photographer, John Rockwood and his wife, Sue was another highlight.

Click to read about restaurants:

Stimulation and outdoor activity builds up an appetite.

MARGARITAS MAKES MEXICAN MEALS MAGNIFICO

MIDTOWN CAFE: A HIDDEN HAPPENING HUB IN MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CHEDDAR & RYE

The Manchester Downtown Hotel’s website is: manchesterdowntownhotel.com

The address is:700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

Call: (+1 603- 625-1000)

https://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2018/08/kayaking-with-worlds-greatest-loon.html#.W3NzLdQrLVQhttps://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2018/08/kayaking-with-worlds-greatest-loon.html#.W3RMBdQrLVQ

THE CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART

A world-class gallery of gorgeous art and community-focused programs

In Manchester, New Hampshire, a truly stunning yet unimposing building is home to masterpieces ranging from the 17^th-century to the 20^th-century by American artists, but some rooms are devoted to European artists as well. 

 
 In fact, as your tour to view the pleasing series of displays, be assured, you’ll never get lost, as rooms flow into one another a circular design. Beautiful and full of variety, the eyes feast on paintings, sculpture, glass work, unique objects, furniture, miniature cameos and illustrations. 



The Currier is exciting with three floors full of surprise. its palatial in style but without grandiosity.

Founded in 1929, The Currier is home to 13,000 works by such greats as Picasso, Wyeth, Monet and O’Keefe - to mention some.

When I visited it in August, the astonishing work of three children’s illustrators was part of a special exhibition, called Beyond Words.

 As children’s book author and having just created an award-winning 3-minute short animation film, I fully appreciated their gifted talentsalong with the Discovery Gallery for kids.

Illustrator, David Caroll gave a book reading and entertained the children. He also did a book signing. His nature drawings of animals and trees are phenomenal. The turtles he drew were exquisite.

The Currier is totally integrated into the community. Every month fabulous events take place that get kids and adults creating art and learning about art, music and more and how it all relates to art.  Have you ever heard of a museum that sponsors a café for Alzheimer’s sufferers to enjoy art for a day with loved ones? This caring museum did this.

 The museum also invites distinct artists to do an event or run workshops. These special events can include bead artists, showcase installations, art camps -  to actually the painting of real tree trunks in blue. This unique event, called The Blue Trees, happens September 24th.^.The artist is Konstantin Dimopoulos. 

The Currier Museum is one of most delightful and stimulating museums I have ever visited. I love its human ambiance within glorious art at every turn.

The Museum is located at 150 Ash Street, Manchester, New Hampshire.

The website is: www.currier.org

Call: (603) 669-6144

MIDTOWN CAFE: A HIDDEN HAPPENING HUB IN MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

George Lawrence owns this central popular foodie nook, along with seven Red Arrow Restaurants in New Hampshire; one is right here in Manchester – a cute diner just up the street from Midtown Café. In fact, this hard working septuagenarian business man is so energetic, every morning, he strides into his office, located in the opulent, beautiful Beacon Building which he also owns. Its sleek interior houses the Midtown Cafe.

With 600 employees working for his corporation restaurant “empire”, George knew his people needed a really convenient place for his people to duck into, pick up a coffee, leafy green salads, sandwiches and other healthy wholesome goodies.  So he opened up the Midtown Café. Although it closes at 2 pm, his Red Arrow Restaurants - renowned for its oversized portions - are open 24/7.

There’s nothing like starting your morning with great coffee, a complete egg breakfast - there’s even a breakfast burrito. But for my money, I made Midtown’s amazing huge freshly baked muffins my morning staple.

Best is, Midtown Café has a variety including cranberry and orange, lemon, and blueberry. They’re exciting and addictive. Cookies are also baked on the spot. In fact, all preparations happen right before you.  With a great assortment of breads, sandwiches are never boring.  Eight different savory kinds satisfy with filling variety. For example,




 The delectable “Nynex” is filled with turkey, Swiss cheese, avocado, spinach, hummus and tomato embodies the generous factor in every serving, including soups, paninis, B.L.Ts  and the unique turkey club with quality apple wood bacon. served on the bread you wish. 

I loved the barbecue chicken George recommended I order on a Wednesday. Pretty tasty!

 There are lots of tables to eat at inside, but I gravitated to the the outdoor tables just outside the cafe where a group of male friends meet almost every day. They invited me to join them. I not only had great food at this perfect little café, but also lots of laughs.  Such friendliness marks Midtown Café. It’s an edible gem.

Midtown Café is located at 814 Elm Street inside the Beacon Building.
The website is:www.midtowncafenh.com

MARGARITAS MAKES MEXICAN MEALS MAGNIFICO

In Manchester, New Hampshire, Margaritas has all tongues wagging. It’s a fabulous restaurant totally dedicated to Mexican dishes, drinks and Mexican culture in ways that are close up and palpably pleasing, Owners, John  and Dave Pelletier love the country so much, they created a superb haven for immersing us in the country, cuisine and its causes with a variety  of surprises that are utterly impressive and inspiring.   With its 27 locations in New England, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Margaritas makes its invaluable  - not to mention tasty - mark in America.

Known for its drinks and wraparound big bar, Margaritas has created great exotic ones such as Russelrita with its creamy, smooth raspberry and strawberry flavours;  Pepino, that’s big on habanero lime, mint and cucumber and two more originals, called  Blood Orange is a real favourite. 

 Tortilla chips and salsa come free to your table.

I had the Naked Coconut that lived up to its name in such a refreshing way. Bartenders  make the margarita mix – all with fresh puree for the fruit ones. No bottled flavours here!  The wrap-around bar is so inviting and a popular hotspot.

I returned twice to Maragritas. I loved the cheese enchilada, beef taco, the crusty – oh-so-good mini chicken chimichanga.



 I have to encourage you to start with that cheese enchilada from the alacarte menu. It was divine with its sweetish cream sauce and the corn tortilla.

 The black beans are as good as the guacamole you’ll get in several dishes, such as the fajita salad and Enchiladas Banderas.  

The dessert I indulged in was mama mia amazing: Margaritas Famous Fried Ice Cream. It’s a huge ball-shaped delight of vanilla ice cream within a salty crushed pretzel shell. Covered in chocolate sauce or honey or both – if you want to go all out – this super sweet-and-salty creation is unforgettable.

 As you eat and drink, the Mexican music and décor adds further sensory pleasure. It creates an atmosphere that colourfully captures all the flavours in the food. 

Every piece of furniture, every tile, every vase, mask and statue and comes from the country. Spacious and seductive with its vivid colourful lighting, you’ll feel like you truly are in Mexico. 

Fabulous programs bring children into the restaurant to view the art, learn about the culture and even how to make guacamole during a presentation. Exchange programs to heighten awareness bring both cultures together; many Mexicans come here to present their craft.

There is so much going on at Margaritas to bring Mexican culture directly to Manchester’s folks. It the owners’ mandate that deliciously appeals to everyone who mixes at Margaritas.

The address is: 1037 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
Call +1 903-647-7717
The website is www.margs.com

KAYAKING WITH THE WORLD’S GREATEST LOON PHOTOGRAPHER

John Rockwood

When John Rockwood invited me to kayak with him to see the loons on Lake Massabesic in Auburn, New Hampshire, I literally went loonie. I love these endangered birds, and was fortunate to learn more about them by visiting the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) on two occasions in Meredith, New Hampshire. Here I met Harry who heads the organization. It was Harry Vogel who kindly put me in touch with John. John's renowned for his passion for and vast knowledge of loons. A true naturalist, he has dedicated most of his waking life photographing the loons on Lake Massabesic, kayaking through its 2500 acres since 2002.

            John explained the breadth of the lake; finding loons is no easy feat

The east side is around 1500 acres; the west side around 1000 acres.  The lake is divided by the loons into eight territories of various sizes – four on each half.  Each territory is normally occupied and defended by a pair of loons that may or may not nest each year.

His astounding videos and photographs invaluably chronicle patterns of feeding habits, territorial shifts, interactions and more. 

Monitoring the loons on the lake has become a way of life for John.

“After 25 years in Hi-tech, my office is the great outdoors. I now get to share my love of nature through my photos, videos and lectures.”

John has animated many educational sessions at the LPC, and his photographs have been exhibited in several prestigious venues, including the prestigious Audubon Society.

Most remarkably, John made friends with a particular family who became attached to him. They seemed to wait for his kayak to appear and keep him company. One chick in this loon family became so fond of John, he was immortalized by John in a beautiful book called Grapenut. In this book, he details the story of his relationship with this loon’s family little chick which he named Grapenut. The book stunningly displays photo after photo – each one vividly accompanying the various day-to-day activities and antics of this adorable chick. 

“My two seasons with  Grapenut taught me how to capture seldom seen details of a loon family's life through photos and video.”

His humor, humility and wonderful anecdotes entertained me as I tried to stay alongside him and his wife Suzanne – despite their slowing down for me.

Suzanne
 Rockwood

 Keen on spotting loons, we realized it might not happen. 

The heat that day was oppressive, so after two hours of hoping for loon sighting, we decided to return. It was then that four loons appeared. John immediately pointed, took out his camera and began shooting.

Emboldened by their appearance, we lingered longer to watch them dive, then distance themselves from us. But I noted one of them came right up to John’s kayak.  

Maybe these loons know how much he’s done and continues to do as their committed crusader. He furthers their survival through his engaging talks and his inspiring visuals.

Learn more about John by visiting his website: http://theloonmannh.net

CHEDDAR & RYE

 I'm in Manchester, New Hampshire, feasting on the best grilled cheese sandwiches which only the most imaginative of chefs could conjure up. Andrew Thistle, the owner of this totally tasty casual place with its 90s’ vibe. Andrew is an awesome creator; he conceives and cooks the most original combos in his grilled cheese goodies – many of them are named after 10 comic book characters. He uses 10 different cheeses from around the world along with a slew of options in there to to fill you up. There is gluten-free vegetarian and vegan numbers - all sandwiched between six different kinds of locally made bread.

I ordered the Two Face, made with home-made fig jam, caramelised onions, apple slivers and maple vinegar with bacon. It was delicious. I also had the Lex Luther sandwich. It consists of beer braised pork, house barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and crispy onions. Choose  your fave comic book and order the sandwich named after it: Aquamarine (classic  tuna melt), There’s Venom, Ghost Rider, Green Hornet and others that add humour and taste to every bite. Andrew is soon to open up a wonderful whiskey bar beside Cheddar & Rye. Enjoy 4 tastings of great whiskey in this classic whisky bar with 300 plus bottles of America’s finest.

I topped by sensational sandwiches off with Andew’s delectable and highly unusual dessert. It’s called Black Canary. Scrumptious on the taste buds and in texture, it boasts the adage: dare to be different. Have you ever had a dessert made with bacon, potato chips, nutella and mascarpone cheese? It’s high time you did.? And to think this humble genius with his one-of-a-kind grilled sandwiches went to Les Roches, a prestigious chef school in Switzerland and was executive Chef and General Manager in loads of great restaurants. It all came down to gorgeously great non-greasy grilled cheese sandwiches with whiskey to whisk you off into more indulgent dreams.

Here's the website: https://cheddarandrye.com/
You can call (603) 232-3751