BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSON’S NEW NORTH AMERICA
02-09-2008
The Best of West Texas, Québec, Santa Barbara Gulf and more
Toronto, Canada — The only thing better than an exotic travel destination is one that’s close to home. North America harbours some of the most beautiful landscapes and rarest experiences on the planet. Over its 41-year luxury travel experience, the Canadian company has offered various active adventures in its own backyard, such as Newfoundland, as well as numerous Bespoke journeys to places like Texas. Now Butterfield & Robinson offers new trips to Québec, West Texas, Santa Barbara, the Gulf Islands and the Berkshires.
Québec Biking
Québec is a wonder within North America—a predominantly French-speaking province on Canadian soil. On B&R’s five-night trip, a rendezvous in Montréal facilitates a five-star experience of the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Next up are the Eastern Townships, a natural wonderland of pristine lakes and endless forests. The final two nights are spent in Québec City. Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008, the fortified Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .The trip’s high-end accommodations include two Relais & Châteaux properties—North Hatley’s Hovey Manor and Québec City’s Auberge St. Antoine—along with stylish five-star Le St-James in Montréal.
West Texas Biking
It doesn’t get much more dramatic than Big Bend National Park. West Texas is the wild west of lore—wide open spaces, desolate beauty, one-horse towns, the lazy, winding Rio Grande, and biking routes where traffic is defined by the number of roadrunners that cross your path. With six years of experience under its belt running Bespoke trips in the Lone Star state, the folks at B&R have saddled up to share their love of West Texas. With a full fleet of custom-designed Cannondale bikes, B&R trip planners have fashioned a five-night itinerary equal to its dramatic backdrop. Bike rides are among the best anywhere in B&R’s world, with routes along the Rio Grande to spectacular Santa Elena Canyon. Other highlights include two-stepping lessons and a tour of Marfa’s art scene, including Donald Judd’s famed minimalist works profiled at the Chinati museum. Authentic accommodations are at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, El Paisano in Marfa, and Cibolo Creek Ranch—whose environs will look familiar to fans of No Country for Old Men.
Berkshires Biking
The green hills of western Massachusetts are just over two hours from both Boston and New York. Idyllic Berkshire County is home to such cultural institutions as Tanglewood and to the legacies of Edith Wharton and Norman Rockwell among others. These days, the art scene is being dramatically rejuvenated through the renowned MASS MoCA, and elegant accommodations offer high style in the “country.” Best of all, there is plenty of pastoral pedalling along the region’s quiet roadways. After two-night stays in both Porches Inn in North Adams and the luxurious Wheatleigh Inn in Lenox, travellers are transported into northern Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills for more great riding and a night at what is arguably one of the world’s most unusual and extravagant hotels; the new Winvian Inn.
Gulf Islands Biking
Unlike the San Juans to the south, Canada’s glorious Gulf Islands offer a haven of untrafficked roads and quiet bays just off the shore of mainland British Columbia. Cycling routes take advantage of designated bike paths including Galloping Goose Trail and the Trans Canada, while stops along the way take in local wineries, cheese makers, and artisans’ shops. The trip begins with a seaplane flight out of Vancouver to Saturna Island, with subsequent stops on Galiano and Vancouver islands. Whale watching is among the highlights. Accommodations during the six-night trip are at Galiano Inn & Spa, Brentwood Bay Lodge and the award winning Sooke Harbour House on Vancouver Island.
Santa Barbara Biking
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