Opal Gems

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Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

Lake Placid Bar Harbor

This or That: Bar Harbor vs. Lake Placid

For mountains alongside the water, it’s hard to beat Bar Harbor…or Lake Placid. We compare these two Northeast outposts known for their natural spoils and picturesque downtowns.   Most Picturesque Hike Bar Harbor: Jordan Pond Loop – 3 miles This moderate route takes hikers along the water’s edge at Acadia… Read More

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Father's Day 2015

Father’s Day Gift Guide

This year for Dad, don’t settle for anything that comes in a box. Give him one of these six OPAL experiences in our Father’s Day gift guide that will have him raving for years. Night Photography in Acadia [Bar Harbor, ME] Give him a different perspective of Acadia… Read More

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Opal love story contest

Our #OPALlovestorycontest Winner

This spring, we challenged our fans to build a tribute Pinterest board to their love. Ginny Dembek’s nine-year long-distance relationship, Whiteface proposal, and a Lake Placid wedding won us over. Above photo © Tracey Buyce Photography Love Long Distance When starting their careers separated college sweethearts Dan and Ginny Dembek… Read More

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West Street Hotel

After Check-In: Bar Harbor, ME

Don’t let an afternoon check-in put a damper on the start to your vacation. Take advantage of these Bar Harbor evening activities. Whale of a Tale Every Monday through Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. sets out on three-and-a-half-hour catamaran tours of the Gulf of Maine… Read More

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The Opal Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Instead of picking out flowers or sending a quick card to Mom this year, why not find her a present that recaps your last vacation together? We’ve curated a Mother’s Day gift guide for unique treasures made to remind Mom of the allure of the Eastern coastline. Combing the Beach [Bar… Read More

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opal weddings

The Opal Northeast Weddings Guide

From fall ceremonies below crimson fall trees to waterfront receptions along the Atlantic, we have five Northeast OPAL Collection wedding locations you must check out for your big day. A Wedding for the Ages On the doorstep of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, find the Harborside… Read More

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Jazz month festivals

Festivals and Fixes for Your Jazz Month Cravings

April is Jazz Appreciation Month. To celebrate, we’re highlighting the best ways to get your jazz  fix, no matter if you’re exploring the coast of Maine or playing footsie with some golden sand on the coast of Florida. June Freihofer’s Jazz Festival [Saratoga Springs, NY] Just 30 minutes south… Read More

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