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Tips for Planning Your Group Ski Trip in New England

Tips for Planning Your Group Ski Trip in New England

Sep 6, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

It’s not too early to start planning your group ski trip and New England has an abundance of ski resorts for all type of groups.  A&A Metro Transportation will provide transportation for your group whether it is for a ski club, a church group or for one day or several days.  Besides the usual downhill trails, many resorts include other winter sports like snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snow-tubing, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing and ice-skating. It’s a good idea to start your planning early so you can take advantage of all the options that are available to you. The best tip for a successful group trip is to do your research on the various resorts and insure you get exactly what you want for your group. A&A Metro can also help you take advantage of some discounts that we’ve been offered for many of the resorts.

Here are some tips to consider when planning your group:

Consider the skiing level of your group
If your group has mixed abilities then look at a resort that has a varied terrain to keep everyone happy. New England Ski Resorts gives you a snapshot of the number of runs and the skiing levels available.

Pick the time
We all know we can’t control Mother Nature but fortunately most New England ski resorts have snowmaking machines, so even when the temperatures only get low at night, they are able to provide plenty of snow for the day. Keep in mind that novice skiers don’t appreciate the freezing cold that comes in January while ski enthusiasts are just happy the snow is guaranteed.

Accommodation size
If you have a large group size then you’ll most likely need to consider a hotel option while smaller groups can be accommodated in cottages or condominiums. You want to choose a resort that has a good balance between too little going on and too much. If there is too little, people will be looking around for things to do; if there is too much then it becomes more difficult for your group to stay together and be organized. Check with the hotel or other accommodations to help recommend good restaurants in the area for your group size.

Here are a few resources to help you find the perfect New England resort for your group:

Top Ten Family Ski Resorts in New England
Ski Vermont
Map of New England Ski Resorts

If you are considering a group ski trip have A&A Metro Transportation help your with your transportation. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call Kiley at 508-697-0117  x39 and he will help you with your specific needs or you can email him at kmcwilliam@aametro.com.

Visiting Wineries in Massachusetts

Visiting Wineries in Massachusetts

Aug 25, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

Late summer and early fall is a great time to take advantage of New England’s many fine wineries and to enjoy some of the world’s finest wines. A&A Metro Transportation is here to help you explore the wide variety of wineries in Massachusetts while riding in style and luxury. Appreciate everything that the region has to offer while enjoying the scenery and a day of wine tasting. Here are some wineries in in the Massachusetts region:

Nashoba Valley Winery, Bolton
Nashoba has become a destination for families and friends to enjoy a quiet day in the countryside, sipping handcrafted wines that feature non-grape wines from fruit that has been grown for years in New England. If you are adventurous and not captured by the snobs of tradition, then explore and challenge your perceptions about wines featuring Blueberry wines, Cranberry wines, Pear wines, Ciders and about 10 different grape wines Like Vignoles, St. Croix, Reisling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Nashoba has 50 picnic tables and offers their property to small gatherings of 8 or less people.

Please call 978-779-5521

Hardwick Vineyard and Winery, Hardwick
The Hardwick Vineyard and Winery is located on a quiet country road that winds around the Quabbin Reservoir, in the central Massachusetts town of Hardwick. In 1997 the Samek family fulfilled their life -long dream and bought the abandoned Giles E. Warner mansion, built in 1795 and its 150 acres of land. They began the painstaking process of authentically restoring it and today the mansion is fully restored to its original grandeur. While the house renovations were underway, the Sameks also started clearing the land to plant grapes. They now grow six varieties of French hybrid grapes and produce about 3,500 gallons of wine every year.

The family winery is now celebrating its fourteenth year in operation. Whether you come for a wine tasting or a wedding, whether you stay for an hour or overnight, you are encouraged to enjoy the house and its history, as well as the vineyard, gardens, and mountain vistas.

Please call 413-967-7763 or email John@hardwickwinery.com

Alfalfa Farm Winery, Topsfield
Alfalfa Farm Winery, an award-winning winery, is set on the grounds of a 300-year-old farm that once served as a dairy. It is family owned and operated and located in rural Topsfield, Massachusetts. Your visit will be both tasty and informative, and it will help support local, sustainable agriculture.They produce a variety of hand-crafted wines and host customized wine tastings for up to 80 guests in their tasting room. Alfalfa Farm Winery is open for public tastings in the summer on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. and in the fall on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. For a nominal fee, a souvenir etched glass taster is yours to keep, along with the opportunity to try five of a dozen or so hand-crafted artisan wines.

Please call 978-774-0014 or email alfalfafarm@comcast.net

Mill River Winery, Rowley
Located on 3.3 acres of the picturesque North Shore of Massachusetts, Mill River Winery reflects the history and charm of this area. Donna, a Ph.D. chemist, and Rick, an accomplished amateur wine maker, renovated Dodge’s Cider Mill and opened Mill River Winery in July 2011. Donna and Rick love wine making and its perfect combination of science, precision, passion and fun.
They produce handcrafted wines using the finest grapes from Massachusetts and other notable wine regions. Their 2010 Naked Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal by the American Wine Society and was a sign of great things to come.

Please call 978-432-1280 or email info@millriverwines.com

Westport Rivers Vineyard, Westport
In 1982 Bob and Carol Russell set themselves up on the sunny, South Coast because they knew the climate and soils were the perfect location for growing the kind of wine they love: gloriously aromatic, deliciously crisp wine. And it just so happens they were right because the winery has earned over 20 gold medals. When they purchased this historic 140 acre “Long Acre Farm”, they declared they would use this South Coast farmland both for agricultural products and for education about the value of working natural resources. The Russell Family has permanently preserved 400 acres of working farmland and forest.

Wines by glass, beer, and tasty bites in a comfortable setting are available and complimentary public tours are available – groups of 10 or more do require a reservation.

Please call 508-636-3423 x2 or email vip@westportrivers.com

Still River Winery, Harvard
Still River Winery is a warm and welcoming home-based winery located 25 miles west-northwest of Boston in the heart of scenic Harvard. The Holtzman Family, owners of Still River Winery, believe the best way to appreciate apple ice wine is to visit the winery and taste for yourself. For those unfamiliar with ice wines or wanting the chance to explore the wine making process in a special way, a personally guided tour offers the ideal setting to discover the science and art of making a world class, award-winning apple ice wine.

Please call 978-415-WINE (9463) or email info@stillriverwinery.com

If you plan to book transportation to a winery let A&A Metro Transportation help you. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call us at 508-697-0117 and one of our associates will help you with your specific needs or you can email us at info@aametro.com.

 

More New England Sports Fans Using Transportation Services

More New England Sports Fans Using Transportation Services

Aug 9, 2017 | Blog | 0 comments

It’s a well-known fact that Massachusetts is passionate about sports; you can’t even walk down the street without seeing a fan sporting gear representing one of the many local teams.  Boston is home to several sports teams including the Red Sox, the Celtics and the Bruins. The New England Patriots and the New England Revolution play at Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxboro and several Boston area colleges and universities are also active in college athletics that draw large crowds. The popularity of sports in the area has led to many more people using transportation services to attend events in and around the Boston.

Your day or evening will be carefree as you enjoy the safety and security of a driver and not have to deal with the hassles of parking. You will be dropped off at the front door of the event and when it’s over you won’t have to deal with trying to exit the busy parking lot; let someone else worry about the driving while you enjoy the company of your friends. Consider planning for a large group – some transportation companies offer a variety of vehicles in their fleet to suit the needs of your trip no matter how large or small the group. You can find a list of sporting events and purchase tickets HERE.

Here are some guidelines to consider when you look for a transportation provider:

  • Use an established company with a record of safety – companies need to be properly registered, licensed and insured.
  • Use a provider that has earned a reputation for providing excellent service.  The provider should be reliable and nothing adds more to the experience than a friendly driver.
  • When comparing services, make sure you understand any add-on’s like fuel surcharges, gratuity, tolls and anything else that might not be included in the flat rate.
  • The earlier you can reserve your vehicle the better as this will help insure you receive the vehicle of your choice.
  • When booking your reservation, make sure you specify the number of people as this will help determine the best vehicle for your group.
  • Have fun! This is you opportunity for a stress free night out with your friends!

If you plan to book transportation to a sporting event let A&A Metro Transportation help you. A&A Metro has been a family run business for over 60 years with a commitment to providing quality, safe and reliable transportation. Please call us at 508-697-0117 and one of our associates will help you with your specific needs or you can email us at info@aametro.com.

4 Reasons Employee Shuttles Benefit Your Business

4 Reasons Employee Shuttles Benefit Your Business

Jul 26, 2017 | Blog | 6 comments

There is a trend towards companies offering their employees group transportation and corporate shuttle service options in Boston. Companies see the benefits of providing some relief for their employees’ daily commute, which in turn, contributes to increased productivity.

1. Increased Productivity & General Well-Being – Dealing with traffic can get tedious and contribute to stress-related health problems; once in the office, it can take an employee longer to get into work mode. Using a shuttle service gives them time to prepare for their day by checking their email or they can just relax. Once they arrive in office they are more prepared to transition over to work mode.

2. Cost Saving – According to an article in the Boston Globe the typical commuter in the Boston area spent an estimated 57.6 hours sitting in traffic last year costing $1,760. Employee shuttles offer a less expensive alternative for employees and might offer the ability for companies to save money as well. Over time it can cut down on parking lot expenses and employee mileage expenditures. You may also be eligible for tax benefits.

3. Environmentally Friendly – Offering a shuttle service is a great way to contribute to fewer vehicles on the road and thereby reduce your carbon footprint. It also helps raise awareness with your employees so they can help the environment and lower their dependence on fossil fuel.

4. Company Incentive for Recruiting & Retention – Offering your employees a shuttle service creates an incentive for them to work with you because they not only save on fuel expenses but they are less stressed when they get to work. It is also a great way for them to interact with their co-workers and feel more connected to their workplace

Corporate shuttles provide an opportunity for employees to interact with their co-workers.

Along with Corporate Shuttle Services, A&A Metro offers all types of solutions for your transportation needs including airport service, luxury car, SUV and coach options for any size group or destination. Call 508-697-0117 or email us at info@aametro.com