New England: Here’s Where To Enjoy Luxury Waterfront Cottages

Certain areas of New England have done a fantastic job of putting together three accommodation styles into one unique offering. We're taking about Luxury waterfront cottages.

It starts with the location. Often, this means lakeside or even along the Atlantic coastline. The water is just steps away from your front door. This means a smaller, more compact style abode that, generally in a serene area. Here is where things get interesting. A typical cottage is filled with the basics that allow travelers to enjoy the simple things in life.

However, this spot in New England has taken the amenities of a cottage to a different level.

808 Weirs Blvd in Laconia, New Hampshire, is where you will find a unique travel accommodation appropriately titled 808 Weirs.

What exactly does luxury mean here? "Experience unparalleled convenience with our innovative radiant heat mats beneath the walkway/stairs, ensuring a snow-free path to your unit all year round," 808 Weirs states.

They also detail their rainwater harvesting system in an effort to lead sustainability efforts. In total, there are nine high-end cottages at 808 Weirs. Each of them has full kitchens, heating, cooling, high-speed internet, and laundry. In addition, "Amenities like dock access, community pool, and hot tub will make your stay more enjoyable," 808 Weirs says.

Each spot on the property has direct access to Lake Winnipesaukee, overlooking the Paugus Bay area. Cottages 1 through 8 allow five guests to stay at each place in various bedroom layouts. The 9th cottage allows for larger parties and can accomidate 14 people. If that is still insufficient, there is a special add-on called Unit 10. This can only be booked if you have cottage nine and need more space. It holds an additional five people.

The 808 Weirs site also allows you to take a virtual photo tour of each cottage so you can see every pristine detail.

For example, cottage 5, which is closest to the water and six boat slips, contains a stunning high deck view of the water. It also has an enclosed hot tub, big windows, and swinging porch chairs.

If you feel like taking a day away from the lake, the property is also in close proximity to Weirs Beach, Fun Spot Arcade, the old-fashioned Winnipesaukee Railroad, and the Laconia Country Club for those interested in a few rounds of golf.

Rates can be as low as $359 per night, depending on when you arrive. Most cottages do have a two or three-night minimum over the summer.

As a father of four, my mornings are always a bit hectic. I enjoy being an early bird; however, I rarely have the time to prep a good breakfast. Therefore, I was quite thrilled to see that Tasting Table recognized three New England restaurants for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the country. I'm always looking for a good quick breakfast.

A morning in my world usually consists of a sunrise workout, followed by a scramble to get myself and the kids out of the house. Then I embark on an hour-long drive to the office. On the weekends, it's taking one of my kids to their sports game. Let's focus on the latter for a moment.

While I am more lenient on my breakfast choice (a banana or shake will do), I insist upon a healthy start for the little guys. Driving them all around New England on weekends requires a few drive-thru meals that you eat in the car. My preference is for the kids to have something substantial, with a protein they enjoy. A breakfast sandwich is often the choice.

The perfect breakfast sandwich should follow three simple rules. It's quick, both to order and make. It's fresh (not a microwaved egg slab pulled out of plastic). Finally, it's a balanced hand-held item that is not too heavy, processed or sugar-filled.

When trekking through interstates and unfamiliar towns at sunrise, it's easy to settle upon the quickest Dunkin' Donuts. Now, there are some other options that you (and I) should know about. These three New England restaurants ranking among the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.

Before we get into the list, it is necessary to give one other shout-out. The Portland, Oregon establishment named by Tasting Table has both the best restaurant and sandwich name. The "Yolko Ono" by Fried Egg I'm In Love.

Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, MA, is the first stop. Tasting Table calls out "Geno's Egg Sandwich." This is a brioche bun filled with egg topped with halloumi cheese, feta butter, tomato concasse, and spicy green cilantro.

Next, we hop on 95 North and pull into the Elephantine Bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here the selected breakfast sandwich is called the "Egg Simit." It's the healthiest of the three choices based on pure ingredients. This sandwich consists of egg, hummus, beat pistachio spread, feta, and spinach on a sesame simit.

I actually had a very hard time securing a quick bacon, egg, and cheese this past spring while in Maine for a lacrosse tournament. Now I know I need to go to a coffee shop next time. Tandem Coffee has something so good, it doesn't even need a clever name. "The Breakfast Sandwich" is simply egg, American cheese, and smoked paprika. However, when you rest it upon a homemade buttermilk biscuit, you reach a new level.