Americade is an annual event bringing nearly 50,000 motorcyclists together for events, announcements and celebrations in Lake George, New York. The summer weather and local beauty make this a perfect road trip destination and hub for day-long rides during the event. Our own Fran Taloricco, Managing Director of North American Development at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, is a longtime biker and has traveled to experience the event firsthand this year. Stay tuned as we continue to add updates from his 7-day Americade excursion.
On Wednesday, I headed out from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to begin my 300-mile trek to Lake George, New York. Joining nearly 50,000 fellow motorcyclists who came from all over the east coast for the premier touring event known as “Americade,” I arrived in Lake George in time for dinner and had a great burger and a local craft beer at the Lake George Beach Club. Our member and regional governor, Sam Luciano, provided the hospitality as he operates the Best Western and the iconic Fort William Henry Hotel, which will also soon be joining the Best Western family of brands as a stunning BW Premier Collection. As the sun set on the lake, I headed in for the night for a well-deserved sleep to rest up for tomorrow’s trip into New Hampshire.
After crushing some early morning waffles at the Best Western of Lake George, I pointed the bike East and headed through the green mountains of Vermont. The lush landscape, mountain vistas and twisty roads proved to be the perfect mental floss I needed. Entering New Hampshire, my port for the night was the recently renovated Best Western Plus Keene Hotel. They provide motorcyclists covered parking under their expansive porte cochere, which keeps the bike dry and close by for easy unloading. The town of Keene is really quaint with many restaurants and pubs on the charming Main Street and unique town square, which they call a rotary. A delicious dish of goat cheese ravioli at Luca’s followed by a great night’s sleep at the hotel was a perfect stopover on day 2 of my trip. Off to Portland, Maine, tomorrow.
After eating way too many pancakes at the Best Western Plus in Keene, New Hampshire, I was on my way to Portland, Maine, to catch a ferry to Nova Scotia. Traversing the mountain roads, I had to be careful not to collide with a moose – picture a Honda Civic on stilts. Arriving a little early in Portland, I was able to grab a lobster roll for lunch from the world-famous Portland Lobster Company. In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, my recently renovated room at the Best Western Mermaid Yarmouth was ready for me and, of course, a yummy snack for being a Best Western Rewards Diamond member. This hotel is close to all that Yarmouth has to offer, located right on Main Street. The beds here are heavenly, and I can’t wait to get my z’s, so I can head off to Halifax tomorrow bright and early.
Spending the weekend in Nova Scotia on a motorcycle is about as close to heaven on earth as it gets. This beautiful place with its fishing villages, incredibly friendly people and a landscape that continues to invigorate the soul is truly a bucket list destination. Leaving from Yarmouth and making my way across the north shore, I visited the shores of the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its 50-foot tidal surge, the largest on earth. Standing on the bay floor was amazing considering if I hadn’t moved, in just a few hours, the water would be 10 feet above my head. Spending the night in Halifax at the Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake, I was greeted by Aero, a chocolate lab who lives full time at the hotel and welcomes guests and delights children. As the name indicates, this lovely Best Western Plus is a lakeside hotel and the views from the rooms and restaurant are amazing. Sitting on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking the lake and enjoying a glass of wine after a long day in the saddle was a perfect end to a great day. This hotel not only welcomes motorcyclists, but they have designated parking spaces under their porte cochere. You cannot go to Halifax without a visit to Peggy’s Cove, which I headed for early Sunday morning. The lighthouse and giant sea boulders there are some of the most photographed sights in all of Nova Scotia and of course I couldn’t resist photographing my bike near the lighthouse. As I rode back from Halifax on Sunday traveling along the southern shores also known as the lighthouse route, I found each cove to be more breathtakingly beautiful then the ones before. I stopped in Liverpool to say “hello” to our Best Western Plus GM, Melissa Robinson. While I didn’t stay at this hotel, I did take a break there and was welcomed as if I was family and was encouraged to grab a cup of coffee before hitting the road again. Arriving back in Yarmouth on Sunday night, I couldn’t help but yearn for more time in this glorious place. I know I’ll return, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Arriving back in the U.S. from Nova Scotia, I headed south and stopped in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for the evening. The Best Western Plus Portsmouth Hotel and Suites provided the perfect end to a great day of riding. This hotel is conveniently located near local attractions in the Portsmouth region. The downtown is very vibrant with many stores, pubs and restaurants. Some mussels and beer on the deck of the Old Ferry Landing was the perfect meal to end to a great day of riding. On Tuesday, I headed for home (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) and traveled through five states in one day: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. Some of the best roads for motorcycling are in the Catskill region of New York. This mountainous area features many small towns with very winding roads connecting them and is a real treat for motorcyclists. Stopping for lunch in Canaan, Connecticut, I visited the Collins Diner, a diner that has been open for the last 80 years. The current family has operated it for the last 48. As I arrived home, I was very happy to be back with my family, but somewhat sad the trip was over. I need to get back to work at Best Western, but will surely be thinking about my next adventure. I think I’ll head south next time…
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