18 Things to Do with Tradewind in 2018

From soaring above the green mountains of Vermont in a hot air balloon to indulging in unrivaled, Michelin-starred cuisine on the glamorous island of St. Barth, a new year brings new opportunities for unique travel experiences and must-see events.

Below are 18 of our top activities and festivals to add to your list in 2018 – all easily accessible when you fly Tradewind with private charters or regularly scheduled shuttle flights in the Northeast and Caribbean.

Conquer the Infamous Front Four at Stowe Mountain Resort

A staple of east coast skiing, Stowe Mountain Resort is renowned for its sustained vertical and 40 miles of exceptional trails. Head to the Front Four, an acclaimed group of double-black diamonds, to really feel gravity on the slopes.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Stowe

Discover the Rich Flavors of Charleston

A world-class culinary experience inspired by the region, the Charleston Wine + Food festival takes place from February 28 – March 4 with more than 100 premier events on schedule. Indulge in signature dinners, mixology classes, and oyster shucking, as well as kayak eco-tours and yoga classes paired with bubbly.

Getting there: Private charter to Charleston

Hike an Active Volcano on Nevis

Climbing the 3,200-foot volcano at the heart of the island is an all-day undertaking and difficult even for experienced climbers, but the views from the summit are unparalleled. Make sure to hire a local guide for your excursion. (You can also opt for an easier hike on Upper Round Road.)

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Nevis

Explore New England by Dog Sled

Learn to handle, harness, and hitch a team of Siberian Huskies while taking in the spectacular ambiance of New England in winter. When you stay in Stowe, Vermont, Peace Pups Dogsledding can get you out onto the snow.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Stowe

Join the St. Barth Sailing Glitterati

There’s nothing like sailing in St. Barth, a sentiment perhaps best illustrated by the St. Barths Bucket Regatta (March 15 – 18) and Les Voiles de Saint Barth (April 8 – 14). Bringing together some of the world’s most accomplished sailors, both races pair spirited competition on the water with all-day celebration on shore—including decadent events, exclusive parties, and live music.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to St. Barth

To learn more about both events, read our feature in the February issue of Goodspeed magazine.

Experience Quintessential Boston During Marathon Weekend

You can feel the excitement in the air each spring as the world’s oldest annual marathon draws thousands of participants and spectators to Boston. Spend the weekend before the race catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and visiting iconic sights like the Freedom Trail, then watch the Boston Marathon from the finish line or Kenmore Square.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Boston

Step Back in Time at the Antigua Regatta

World-class racing and laidback Antiguan hospitality come together at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, held this year from April 18 – 24. From swift Carriacou sloops to multi-million-dollar vintage watercraft, watch the boats race and then discover the island’s vibrant local culture.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Antigua

To learn more about the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, read our feature in the February issue of Goodspeed magazine.

Indulge Your Inner Epicure at the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival

For 21 years, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival has drawn acclaimed winemakers and award-winning chefs to Nantucket while remaining intimate in nature. This year’s festival (May 16 – 20) highlights more than 50 prestigious events including an array of wine tastings, seminars, and galas.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Nantucket

To learn more about the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, read our upcoming feature in the May issue of Goodspeed magazine.

Hang Glide in the Birthplace of Flight

For more than 40 years, the Hang Gliding Spectacular has drawn flight enthusiasts to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where the Wright Brothers first flew. Watch four days of competition above the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge (May 17 – 20), then learn to fly the dunes yourself with a hang gliding lesson from Kitty Hawk Kites.

Getting there: Private charter to Manteo

Make an Impact at the Greenwich International Film Festival

A celebration of compelling, provocative, thrilling, and empowering films, this year’s Greenwich International Film Festival (May 31 – June 3) features more than 70 film premieres and screenings, parties, and panels discussing important issues from the films that we all face.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to White Plains

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Boston Harborfest

The country’s largest Fourth of July festival is Boston Harborfest, a 36-year tradition featuring hundreds of activities in the days leading up to July 4. Check out the opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall, an eclectic art market on the harbor, boat tours of the city, live music, and more.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Boston

Soar Above Vermont in a Hot Air Balloon

Each July, more than 25 hot air balloons take to the sky for the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival (2018 dates TBD). Climb aboard one of the balloons for 360-degree views of Stowe, or watch the launches from the beer and wine garden at Stoweflake Mountain Resort.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Stowe

Enjoy a Brewery Tour of Vermont

Recognized as one of the top craft brewing destinations in the world, Vermont has given rise to iconic breweries like The Alchemist and Magic Hat. Take your own brewery tour around the state, or head to the Vermont Brewers Festival at Burlington Waterfront Park from July 20 – 21. (The fest also has a new sister event this year at Killington Resort on March 24.)

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Stowe

Taste Fresh-Off-the-Boat Lobster

A highlight of summer in New England, the Maine Lobster Festival (August 1 – 5) celebrates everything lobster with an array of seafood vendors and cooking competitions, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment in a carnival setting.

Getting there: Private charter to Owls Head

Dance on the Beach at the Anguilla Summer Festival

A time-honored celebration, the Anguilla Summer Festival combines expressions of traditional art with a playful atmosphere featuring live soca and reggae music and boat racing at both Sandy Ground and Meads Bay. The dates for the early August event are TBD.

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Anguilla

Dine with French Culinary Masters at the St. Barth Gourmet Festival

Among the best culinary events in the world, the St. Barth Gourmet Festival brings legendary figures in the world of French gastronomy to the luxury hotels of St. Barth. Indulge in multi-course dinners each day of the festival, which takes place in November (2018 dates TBD).

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to St. Barth

Celebrate Diversity at Art Basel

At the crossroads of North American and Latin American culture, Art Basel Miami Beach (December 6 – 9) showcases the masters of modern art, as well as emerging talent, in a grand exhibition setting and throughout the city’s outdoor landscape.

Getting there: Private charter to Miami

Get into the Holiday Spirit on Martha’s Vineyard

Well-known as a summer destination, the island of Martha’s Vineyard can be equally charming during the month of December. Experience the holidays with horse-drawn carriage rides, seasonal shopping, caroling, and Christmas in Edgartown (December 6 – 9).

Getting there: Scheduled shuttle to Martha’s Vineyard

 

*Featured Photo: Natalie Siebers, Courtesy of Peace Pups Dogsledding