Best of Massachusetts from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Massachusetts from the Editors of Yankee Magazine [easy-social-share buttons=”facebook,twitter,pinterest,google,mail,print,more” sharebtn_style=”icon” counters=0 style=”icon” point_type=”simple”] Table Of Contents: Best Attractions Best Lodging Best Dining Best Bargains Best Classic Attractions Best Outdoor Attractions Spotlight: Boston Best Attractions in Massachusetts Looking for fun in the Bay State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for […]
Looking for fun in the Bay State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Massachusetts.
FAMILY ADVENTURE
ZOAR OUTDOOR FAMILY FLOAT TRIPS, Charlemont
Zoar Outdoor may be synonymous with whitewater thrills, but the company also runs Deerfield River rafting trips suitable for even the littlest paddlers, the 5- and 6-year-olds who are too young for introductory whitewater journeys. The Family Float Trips run midafternoon to early evening on a calm stretch of the river with one patch of mild rapids. Everyone is issued a paddle, helmet, and life vest, and the trip includes a stop at an island or riverbank beach for swimming and a picnic supper. 4
13-339-4010; zoaroutdoor.com
FARMERS’ MARKET
PLYMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET, Plymouth
Set on the grounds of Plimoth Plantation, this market gets extra points for its scenic backdrop and living-close-to-the-land vibe. Held outdoors every Thursday from May to October (and once a month indoors during winter), it rounds up the region’s bounty from 40 vendors that run the gamut from farmers and fishermen to beekeepers and bakers. Relatively speaking they’re a small group, but one clearly devoted to a larger mission—our Pilgrim forebears would no doubt have approved.
plymouthfarmersmarket.org
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE, Pittsfield
For a religion focused on the next life, the Shakers sure had ingenious ways of dealing with this one. The radial stalls in the landmark round barn, for example, are an elegant display of labor-saving animal husbandry. The rhythms of their daily life echo in the demonstrations of woodworking and blacksmithing and visits to the medicinal herb garden. But nothing captures the Shaker spirit more than hearing voices rise in unison in Shaker tunes of worship. It wasn’t just a gift to be simple—these folks worked at it.
413-443-0188; hancockshakervillage.org
HOUSE MUSEUM
THE MOUNT, Lenox
In building her home in the Berkshires, the wealthy and well-traveled novelist Edith Wharton created an English-style country estate with a French-style courtyard and an Italianate terrace. But the 1902 property is not as imposing as its pedigree; tours make the hostess seem present in every room. Summer and fall, Wharton spent mornings writing in her bedroom overlooking the gardens. In the dining room, she favored a round table so her guests could all engage in lively conversation. Talked out, they could end the evening with table tennis on the back terrace.
413-551-5111; edithwharton.org
MUSIC CLUB
THE GUTHRIE CENTER, Great Barrington
Located in the Old Trinity Church (c. 1829), where Alice of “Alice’s Restaurant” fame once lived, the Guthrie Center was founded by legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie as an interfaith church in 1991. Each summer, its weekly Troubadour Series draws top folk musicians to perform intimate concerts for invested audiences. Beer, wine, and a full dinner menu are available on show nights.
413-528-1955; guthriecenter.org
NATURE EXPERIENCE
CAPE COD FIELD SCHOOLS, South Wellfleet
Get up close and personal with the flora and fauna in one of New England’s most beautiful settings, the Cape Cod National Seashore and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. In these excursions, you might study a stranded sunfish, photograph insects, or learn to identify scat and tracks. And come prepared: “We bill them as active, full-day, in-the-field programs, just so people aren’t caught off-guard by a five-mile hike or late-night—and cold—turtle patrols!” says Jenette Kerr of Mass Audubon.
508-349-2615; massaudubon.org
ART MUSEUM CAMPUSE
CLARK ART INSTITUTE, Williamstown
The opening of the Clark’s new Visitor Center was a capstone in the reinvention of this already-excellent small museum. The 19th century French works collected by Sterling and Francine Clark remain the centerpiece, but the new and renovated buildings now conjure a broader artistic vision that links the art to the museum’s bucolic grounds, laced with hiking trails.
225 South St. 413–458–2303; clarkart.edu
Best Art Museum Campus | Clark Art Institue, Williamstown
Credit: Jeff Goldberg/ESTO
Best Art Museum Campus | Clark Art Institue, Williamstown Credit: Jeff Goldberg/ESTO
NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION
THE AMAZING WORLD OF DR. SEUSS MUSEUM, Springfield
Fifteen years after the Springfield Museums complex honored native son Theodor Geisel with a huge sculpture grouping in the courtyard, Dr. Seuss got his own museum. Opened in June 2017, it delves into the creative impulses behind some of the world’s most beloved children’s books. In the brightly colored rooms of the museum’s first floor, interactive exhibits engage kids in their own experimental doodles, rhymes, and storytelling. Memorabilia in the upstairs galleries hint at how Geisel’s talent blossomed in Springfield.
413-263-6800; springfieldmuseums.org
SHORT HIKE
SOUTH SUGARLOAF TRAIL, South Deerfield
Not to be confused with its much bigger cousin in Maine, this Sugarloaf Mountain is, for nature lovers, a literal sweet spot. The 1.4-mile trail to the south summit is short yet steep enough to get the endorphins going; there are several trail branches and an auto road; and the 652-foot summit, crowned with an observation tower, is an unbeatable vantage point for gazing out over the Connecticut River, the Pelham Hills and Berkshire Hills, and the Pioneer Valley towns of Deerfield, Sunderland, and Amherst.
413-665-2928; mass.gov
SPECIALTY MUSEUM
NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM, New Bedford
Founded to preserve the history of the New Bedford whaling industry, this museum has grown into a cultural center, a destination for scholarly research, and a major repository of fascinating artifacts. Did we say major? Make that massive: The museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of scrimshaw, the largest library of whaling logbooks, and the biggest model ship (not to mention four complete whale skeletons). This summer the museum unveils its latest conservation and digitalization project, a 1,275-foot-long panoramic painting of a whaling voyage. It’s believed to be the longest painting in the world.
508-997-0046; whalingmuseum.org
Summer Theatre
Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield
With a 520-seat renovated main stage (a former vaudeville hall) and a modest 99-seat contemporary theatre, Barrington offers venues for splashy musicals as well as intimate plays. The company has had a long commitment to developing new musical theatre and typically premieres at least two musicals each summer season.
30 Union St. 413–236–8888; barringtonstageco.org
Thrill Ride
New England Skyscreamer, Agawam
The name says it all. Dual swing chairs dangle on cables from the 400-foot-high top of the New England SkyScreamer, and when the machine starts to spin, riders are slung almost perpendicular 40 stories above the ground. The views are great—if you can scream and look at the same time.
Six Flags New England, 1623 Main St. 413–786–9300; sixflags.com/newengland
With its diverse terrain, a mix of wetlands, meadow, and woodlands at the oxbow of the Connecticut River, Arcadia’s rich environment supports dozens of bird species over its 723 acres. Typical midsummer sightings along five miles of trails range from bald eagles, kestrels, and redtailed hawks to blue-gray gnatcatchers, Eastern bluebirds, and black-billed cuckoos. Great blue herons nest communally in the Ned’s Ditch wetland.
127 Combs Rd. 413–584–3009; massaudubon.org
Armor Collection
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
The suits of medieval armor adopted from the now-shuttered Higgins Armory Museum shine all the more brightly in the Worcester Art Museum’s context of art and history. Always one of the world’s great collections of armor, these masterpieces of the smith’s craft can now be fully appreciated as beautiful works of art.
55 Salisbury St. 508–799–4406; worcesterart.org
Maritime Art
Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester
No artist ever painted sea and sky as luminously as Fitz Henry Lane of Gloucester. His canvases glow even more brightly in the museum’s renovated galleries, which augment Lane’s oil paintings with his drawings and lithographs. Upstairs, two small ships and a first-order Fresnel lens help celebrate Cape Ann’s fishing and maritime history.
27 Pleasant St. 978–283–0455; capeannmuseum.org
Free Art Museum
Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown
The museum owns more than 14,000 works, so only a select number are exhibited at any one time. Don’t miss the Post-Impressionist paintings of Charles and Maurice Prendergast, the Sol LeWitt wall drawing, and Edward Hopper’s iconic Morning in a City.
15 Lawrence Hall Dr. 413–597–2429; wcma.williams.edu
Best Free Art Museum | Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown
Credit: Sol Lewitt Wall Drawing #1089 |Arthur Evans
Best Free Art Museum | Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown Credit: Sol Lewitt Wall Drawing #1089 |Arthur Evans
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – HISTORIC FARM
SPENCER-PEIRCE-LITTLE FARM, Newbury (1638)
Just off busy Route 1A, this historic farm rolls back the clock to a simpler era. Genial goats, handsome horses, and immense pigs rush to the fences for attention, and guides offer tours of the 1690 manor house and attached 19th-century farmhouse. Many weekends see vintage games of the Essex Base Ball Association.
5 Little’s Ln. 978–462–2634; historicnewengland.org
CHLDREN’S ATTRACTION
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER, Somerville
No adults are allowed without a child escort — probably so the old folks don’t hog the interlocking bricks. Geared to ages 3 to 10, this builder’s delight includes an “academy” where kids get construction tips from experts, as well as a gallery of Somerville and Boston buildings and attractions made from LEGO bricks.
598 Assembly Row. 866–228–6439; legolanddiscoverycenter.com/boston
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – PRESIDENTIAL HOME
ADAMS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, Quincy (1947)
The birthplaces of John Adams (POTUS #2) and John Quincy Adams (POTUS #6) tell compelling tales of learned men of principle and one brilliant, tough-minded first lady named Abigail. A National Park trolley makes the rounds of the two modest birthplaces and the grander family manse.
Visitors’ Center, 1250 Hancock St. 617–770–1175; nps.gov/adam
SPORT MUSEUM
HALL AT PATRIOT PLACE, Foxborough
For football fans who have perhaps forgotten that there was a New England Patriots team before the Brady/Belichick era, this facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium contains the team’s Hall of Fame and galleries that tell the Pats’ tale from the early days to the four Lombardi Trophies. You can even try on uniforms in a replica locker room.
1 Patriot Pl. 508–698–4800; thehallatpatriotplace.com
WINERY LUNCH
TRURO VINEYARDS & CRUSH PAD, North Truro
Before touring the winery, you can picnic on the grassy lawn with Niman Ranch burgers, skirt-steak tacos, and lobster rolls from the Crush Pad food truck (a mobile offshoot of Truro’s Blackfish restaurant). The winery bar sells Truro wines by the glass to complete the experience.
11 Shore Rd. 508–487–6200; trurovineyardsofcapecod.com
ARTIST’S HOME
EDWARD GOREY HOUSE, Yarmouth Port
Much as artist and author Edward Gorey (1925– 2000) loved the macabre, his pen-and-ink drawings of all matters horrific were always touched by whimsy, including the animated tombstone opening credits for the PBS Mystery! series. The house preserves the artist’s mishmash collection of books, artifacts, beach stones, and curios—and his enduring, ultimately droll vision.
8 Strawberry Ln. 508–362–3909; edwardgoreyhouse.org
FAMILY FARM
DAVIS FARMLAND, Sterling
Every year as the leaves start turning, fall visitors descend on this family farm to wander the cornfield paths of the eight-acre Davis Mega Maze. In spring and summer, families make it here for the other attractions: cows and goats, emus and chickens, and all the other critters that make Davis the largest sanctuary for endangered farm animals in North America. Hay and pony rides also offered.
145 Redstone Hill Rd. 978-422-6666; davisfarmland.com
MODERN DANCE
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE, Becket
With a festival schedule of performances by more than 50 companies, the Pillow is America’s summer mecca for modern dance. The major troupes are mesmerizing on the big stages, but there’s something primal and magical about seeing a free performance in the woods at the Inside/Out stage, as well.
358 George Carter Rd. 413–243–9919; jacobspillow.org
KAYAK TOUR
ESSEX RVER BASIN ADVENTURES, Essex
For paddlers, the Essex River and marshy Essex Bay make up one of the most beautiful estuary systems in New England. This veteran sea-kayak tour company offers a gentle daily excursion called the Gilligan. Kayakers head down the river of grass to the bay and explore the basin by paddling around the small islands and through the winding salt marshes.
1 Main St. 978–768–3722; erba.com
HISTORICAL COMMUNITY
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE, Sturbridge
It’s not all gingham dresses and straw hats at OSV, but the calendar is stuck in the 1830s at this living-history museum. OSV’s cluster of historic buildings creates a little time capsule of life in a New England village in the years when the country was young. Visiting is a lesson in how the “good old days” had their own joys and difficulties.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd. 800–733-183, 508–347–3362; osv.org
Best Historical Community | Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Credit: Aimee Seavey
Best Historical Community | Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge Credit: Aimee Seavey
ANTIQUES & CURIOSITIES
RAMBLE MARKET, Waltham
Stuff. Neat stuff. Funky stuff. Vintage stuff. Artsy stuff. The lion’s share of the 10,000 square feet here is devoted to antiques and collectibles. A lot of it is themed by era (Midcentury Modern, for example) and a lot isn’t. The old stuff is augmented by mini-shops with contemporary painting and furniture, rugs, and vintage clothing.
39 Green St. 781–790–5260; ramblemarket.com
OUTDOOR SCULPTURE
DECORDOVA SCULPTURE PARK, Lincoln
With 30 acres of beautifully rolling landscape, the DeCordova focuses on its sculpture park more than its museum (though there’s always a fascinating show on display). Given the large scale of so many pieces of contemporary sculpture, the great outdoors makes an ideal setting. Bring your own picnic or visit the café.
51 Sandy Pond Rd. 781–259–8355; decordova.org
CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE
AN UNLIKELY STORY BOOKSTORE & CAFÉ, Plainville
When the author of the Wimpy Kid series opened a bookstore in his hometown, young’uns and their parents alike were enthralled. The shelves are filled with books for adults and for children ranging from toddlers to young adults. The café serves a few children’s plates, but many more wraps and salads—as well as coffee and some very grown-up bottles of beer and wine by the glass.
111 South St. 508–699–0244; anunlikelystory.com
WINERY
WESTPORT RIVERS VINEYARD & WINERY, Westport
When this winery opened to the public 25 years ago, Massachusetts wine was a novelty. The Russell family proved that the Long Island Sound climate of this fertile peninsula was perfect for growing Chardonnay grapes to make outstanding American bubbly. Now they’re crafting cold-climate Pinot Noir to match.
417 Hixbridge Rd. 508–636–3423; westportrivers.com
TOURIST HOT SPOT
CAPE CODE RAIL TRAIL, Dennis to Wellfleet
Threading 22 miles from the mid-Cape to LeCount Hollow Road near PB Boulangerie in Wellfleet, this paved path with a few gentle hills includes several access points to Cape Cod National Seashore beaches. Pets on short leashes are permitted on the trail, so Fido can run alongside.
508–896–3491; mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/cape-cod-rail-trail.html
FAMILY ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE PARK AT HERITAGE MUSEUMS & GARDENS, Sandwich
Five treetop trails of varying difficulty traverse the forest canopy on three acres of Heritage Museum property. Suitable for ages 7 and up, the aerial portion is a squirrel’s-eye view of forest and some blooming gardens. A forest-floor trail is available for companions who prefer to stay on terra firma. No sandals or flip-flops.
67 Grove St. 508–888–3300; heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
BEACH FOR SUNSETS
MADAKET BEACH, Nantucket
From town, take the NRTA’s WAVE shuttle (about 20 minutes) or bicycle out to the unspoiled, surf-pounded beach at Madaket on the island’s western tip. There’s no land on the western horizon to mess up the sunset, so watch closely for the green flash as the sun dips. Arrive early for seafood takeout from Millie’s Restaurant while you wait for sunset.
Madaket Rd. 508–228–0925 (Nantucket Visitor Services); nantucket-ma.gov/visitor
Best Lodging in Massachusetts
Looking to rest your head in the Bay State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in Massachusetts.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
SALT HOUSE INN, Provincetown
Though the team behind Salt House Inn also owns the newer Eben House in Provincetown (plus two other properties in New York and New Jersey), we’re still stuck on this, the flagship of the Salt Hotels mini chain. Tucked away on a leafy side street and featuring clean lines, a soothing white-on-white palette, and thoughtfully collected antiques, it’s a handsome respite from the Commercial Street crush. On the lovely sun deck or in the shaded garden, you can tuck into daily breakfast treats such as a chorizo, spinach, and roasted red pepper frittata and homemade blueberry doughnuts. Like the luxe hand soap in the bathrooms? Pop over to the just-opened Salt Supply store to take some home with you.
508-487-1911; salthouseinn.com
CAMPGROUND
MYLES STANDISH STATE FOREST, Carver
About 400 campsites around four kettle ponds or in the woods are distributed through this extensive forest straddling the Plymouth–South Carver line. The location is convenient to Plymouth attractions, but there’s also plenty to keep you busy in the piney woods. Fifteen miles of bike paths encourage two-wheel exploration, and bridle trails entice equestrians. (Thirty-two campsites are reserved for horse camping.) Swim at your campsite pond or in the day-use area at College Pond.
508-866-2526; mass.gov
FAMILY LODGING
WEQUASSETT RESORT AND GOLF CLUB, Harwich
Imagine: You’re soaking in the rays as your kids paddle around this resort’s main pool overlooking the ocean when a 1950s-style Good Humor truck pulls up, doling out free ice cream for all. It’s this kind of amenity that makes the Wequassett so memorable for young guests. Other highlights for wee ones and their families include a free shuttle to a secluded Cape Cod National Seashore beach, a nautical-themed playground, and movie nights, but the pièce de résistance is the Children’s Center, offering programming for toddlers and kids such as scavenger hunts and a day shadowing the property’s pastry chef (perfect for budding foodies).
508-432-5400; wequassett.com
HISTORIC INN
THE OLD INN ON THE GREEN, New Marlborough
It’s unlikely that the stagecoach passengers who bedded down in this 1760s Berkshires inn enjoyed quite the comforts as today’s guests, who sleep on bigger beds and perform ablutions in their private baths. But the restoration of the inn shows an unforced sense of history that makes a stay feel quite luxurious, even as the decor stays true to the inn’s colonial-era roots. Lest anything seem too modern, the dining rooms are lit entirely by candles and fireplaces. Five of the 11 rooms are TV-free.
413-229-7924; oldinn.com
ISLAND LODGING
GREYDON HOUSE, Nantucket
Uber-chic guest rooms and nautical-tinged decor by award-winning Manhattan design firm Roman and Williams. A cocktail list curated by star Boston barman Jackson Cannon. A laid-back fine dining restaurant (open year-round, by the way) helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware. Amenities galore, including beach supplies on demand and bath and beauty products from the likes of Ursa Major and island favorite Follain. No wonder this inviting 16-room inn is set in what was once a doctor’s home practice: It’s a modern shot in the arm for Nantucket’s bed-and-breakfast scene.
508-228-2468; greydonhouse.com
SMALL-CITY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hotel on North, Pittsfield
This suave new hotel near the Barrington Stage Company brings contemporary comfort to a pair of handsome 1880s buildings. The 45 bedrooms, all a bit different, are decorated in low-key, soothing tones and furnished with pieces crafted by local artisans. Two rooms have working fireplaces and some have kitchenettes.
297 North St. 413–358–4741; hotelonnorth.com
Best Small-City Boutique Hotel | Hotel on North, Pittsfield
Credit: Martin Albert / Hotel on North
Best Small-City Boutique Hotel | Hotel on North, Pittsfield Credit: Martin Albert / Hotel on North
LUXURY ESCAPE
BLANTYRE, Lenox
A Berkshires country estate turned five-star hotel, Blantyre has seen its historic glamour polished to a high gloss under passionate new ownership (its principal buyer first fell in love with Blantyre on a visit 35 years ago). A multimillion-dollar renovation early this year refreshed the decor and expanded the spa; new dining options include a French bistro and, for high-end fare, a formal dining room called the Conservatory. One thing that won’t change: guests being pampered like Gilded Age grandees.
413-637-3556; blantyre.com
NEW HOTEL
THE HOTEL SALEM, Salem
Set on the bustling Essex Street pedestrian mall, this chic 44-room boutique hotel occupies the building that once housed Salem’s downtown department store anchor. Innovative design includes some bargain-priced “microrooms” and more spacious rooms with sleeping lofts. Mad Men–era motifs such as the “tumbling dice” trompe l’oeil floor tiles and the gray herringbone grasscloth wall coverings inject a note of playfulness. Salem’s only rooftop bar is high enough to survey the city down to the harbor.
978-451-4950; thehotelsalem.com
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
THE INN AT CASTLE HILL, Ipswich
While it’s daunting to imagine living in the palatial Great House of the Crane Estate, the shingle-style former guesthouse has precisely the kind of seaside ease that suits a lodging on the green lawns above Crane Beach. Vistas from atop the knoll suggest command over all that you survey, but each of the 10 rooms is a hushed and private retreat made for two. The air of effortless privilege extends to on-site massage in six rooms.
978-412-2555; thetrustees.org
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
BEAUPORT HOTEL, Gloucester
More than 150 years ago, Gloucesterman Fitz Henry Lane set up his easel at Fort Point to paint luminous canvases of Ten Pound Island and Gloucester Harbor. Today, the restaurant, bar, roof deck, and about half the rooms at the Beauport command those same views. The luxury hotel opened in June 2016 on the site of Clarence Birdseye’s first fish-freezing factory.
978-282-0008 or 844-282-0008; beauporthotel.com
WILDERNESS RETREAT
BASCOM LODGE, Adams
This sprawling 1930s stone-and-timber lodge at the 3,491-foot summit of Mount Greylock is a welcome sight to through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Yet it’s also accessible by road for a getaway at the top of Massachusetts. Fieldstone fireplaces and arts-and-crafts-style seating give common areas a rustic panache, while private bedrooms and group bunk-bed rooms are more simply furnished. Breakfast and dinner are available. Some summer nights feature live entertainment, but the stars shine nightly.
413-743-1591; bascomlodge.net
MOUNTAIN LODGING
JIMINY PEAK MOUNTAIN RESORT COUNTRY INN, Hancock
Don’t let the “country inn” moniker fool you. These hotel suites, each with kitchenette, kingsize bed, and queen-size sleeper, are contemporary ski-slope digs. The summer Adventure Park offers thrills and spills, but the pool and hot tubs might be enough for many travelers.
37 Corey Rd. 413–738–5500; jiminypeak.com
INN LANDSCAPE
SEVEN HILLS INN, Lenox
A manor house, carriage house, and motel share 27 acres of rolling lawns and country gardens and the elegant public rooms and patio of this classic Berkshires “cottage” property. No weddings are booked during the summer, but there are cabaret performances most evenings.
40 Plunkett St. 413–637–0060; sevenhillsinn.com
B&Bs
ALLEN HOUSE VICTORIAN INN & AMHERST INN, Amherst
These sister inns are near the Dickinson Homestead, and unapologetically emulate the full-on Victorian style that would have made Emily feel right at home. But guests still get WiFi and radios (albeit antique style), and modern downtown Amherst is a short stroll uphill.
599 Main St., 257 Main St. 413–253–5000; allenhouse.com
CAPE ANN MOTEL
CAPTAIN’S BOUNTY ON THE BEACH, Rockport
Location, location, location—each of the 24 rooms at this three-story wooden motel built in the 1960s has either a private balcony or a patio on Rockport’s Front Beach. Downtown shops and restaurants are a short stroll away. All of the impeccably maintained rooms have a mini fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker; efficiencies have full stoves.
1 Beach St. 978–546–9557; captainsbountymotorinn.com
INN RESTORATION
INN AT HASTINGS PARK, Lexington
One block from the green where the American Revolution began, the three buildings of this boutique luxury inn, which opened in 2014, echo the domestic history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the spacious rooms boast gas fireplaces, and rates include breakfast from the menu of the inn’s excellent locavore restaurant, Artistry on the Green.
2027 Massachusetts Ave. 781–301–6660; innathastingspark.com
LUXURY RV PARK
NORMANDY FARMS RV RESORT, Foxborough
Even city slickers could become converts to camping at this RV resort with bike park, fitness center, fishing pond, 18-hole disc-golf course, sauna, Jacuzzi, four swimming pools, and wellness center with massage treatments. Bring your own RV (or even a tent). Sites range from most basic (no services) to premium (water, septic, cable, electric).
72 West St. 866–673–2767; normandyfarms.com
CHATEAU LODGING
MIRBEAU INN & SPA, Plymouth
New England doesn’t have real French chateaux, but the newly built Mirbeau inside The Pinehills, an upscale residential development, will do quite nicely for a French-inspired getaway. The selling points include a spa, large rooms with fireplaces and luxury beds, and a French-inspired restaurant with prix-fixe menus in three, five, or seven courses.
35 Landmark Dr. 877–647–2328; plymouth.mirbeau.com
CHILD- & PET-FRIENDLY MOTEL
HARBOR HOTEL PROVINCETOWN, Provincetown
Simple décor with retro touches is a reminder that this beachfront motel was originally built as a Holiday Inn. Rooms are set aside for pet owners, and various configurations, including connecting rooms, ease family sleeping arrangements. Bring sticks and marshmallows to toast at the firepit.
698 Commercial St. 800-422-4224; harborhotelptown.com
CAPE COD BOUTIQUE INN
PLATINUM PEBBLE BOUTIQUE INN, West Harwich
Brits Annabelle and Simon Hunton transformed an erstwhile Victorian sea captain’s home into a breezy, modern getaway of seven rooms with king beds (some with gas fireplaces), one with a queen. Delightful grounds around the pool include an English rose garden. Breakfast is served in your room, and the innkeepers provide parking passes for the nearby Harwich beaches.
186 Belmont Rd. 508–432–7766; platinumpebble.com
HARBORFRONT MOTEL
VINEYARD HARBOR MOTEL, Vineyard Haven
Walk out of the courtyard of this 40-room motel and you’ll find yourself on a private beach. Every simply decorated room has a refrigerator, and several feature full kitchens. The Steamship Authority ferry dock is a 10-minute walk away, even if you’re rolling a suitcase.
60 Beach Rd. 508–693–3334; vineyardharbormotel.com
ISLAND INN
76 MAIN, Nantucket
Sensitive restoration maintains the Nantucket authenticity of this former sea captain’s home while making way for the comforts and technology that 21st-century guests expect on the toniest of Massachusetts islands. A courtyard with firepits has a BYOB cocktail mixer bar, and an on-site café can steam lattes and cappuccinos to order.
76 Main St. 508-228-2533; 76main.com
Inn for Paddlers
BLACK SWAN INN, Lee
Lee is well located amid the arts scene in the southern Berkshires, and this recently renovated but modest hotel also has a tiny beach and small dock on pocket-size Laurel Lake. Guests can rent paddleboats or single or double kayaks to explore the waters.
435 Laurel St. 413–243–2700; blackswaninnberkshires.com
B&B Getaway
POETRY RIDGE BED 7 BREAKFAST, Greenfield
Located on the climb to Poet’s Seat in Greenfield you’ll find a 100-year-old home with six guest rooms sitting on 11 wooded acres just off the Mohawk Trail. Generous full breakfasts can fortify you for a hike in the woods or a day of poking around the Pioneer Valley.
55 Stone Ridge Ln. 413–773–5143; rkotours.com
Tent Camping
BARTON’S COVE CAMPING & PADDLESPORTS, Gill
Just west of the French King Bridge on the Mohawk Trail, this rustic campground in woodsy conservation land specializes in tent camping, letting vehicles into the campground only to unload and pack up. The associated paddlesports operation rents canoes and kayaks for exploring the spacious cove.
82 French King Hwy. 413–863–9300; northquabbinwoods.org/barton_cove
Walk-to-Everything Hotel
HOTEL NORTHHAMPSTON, Northampton
Coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants of all kinds are just a few steps from this grand 106-room downtown retreat. The hotel’s Coolidge Park Café offers light bistro options, while more traditional fare can be found at the Wiggins Tavern. For the newest digs, ask for the Gothic Garden building.
36 King St. 413-584-3100; hotelnorthampton.com
Best Walk-to-Everything Hotel | Hotel Northampton, Northampton
Credit: Davis Advertising (Wiggins Tavern)
Best Walk-to-Everything Hotel | Hotel Northampton, Northampton Credit: Davis Advertising (Wiggins Tavern)
Family Lodging
GREAT WOLF LODGE, Fitchburg
It’s easy to see that the comfortable modern suites here were designed with families in mind. The outstanding indoor water park is open only to lodge guests; the water slides are the big draw, but there’s also mini-golf, a carousel, and a candlepin-bowling alley.
150 Great Wolf Dr. 978–343–9653; greatwolf.com/new-england
Waterfront Views
ROCKY NECK ACCOMMODATIONS, Gloucester
These clean and bright efficiency rooms and suites aren’t just on the shore—they’re on pilings literally above the water. The furnishings here are simple and plain, but each room has a small deck right on Smith Cove in the Rocky Neck art colony—can’t beat that for a unique location.
43 Rocky Neck Ave. 978–381–9848; rockyneckaccommodations.com
Beach Amenities
BEACH BREEZE INN, Falmouth
The main building of this beach-house complex is a handsome late-19th-century private retreat with lovingly restored details and spacious, modern bedrooms. Most rooms have ocean views, queen beds, and fireplaces. The actual beach is 100 yards away, and the inn provides beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrellas, and even sunscreen.
321 Shore St. 508–548–1765; beachbreezeinn.com
Pet-Friendly Lodging
OUTER BEACH RESORT, North Truro
Set on a knoll at the Truro/Provincetown line, the large rooms of this older motel resort overlook the famous parabolic dunes and the North Truro shore. Fido is very welcome here—the motel even provides a list of dog-friendly restaurants—and there’s a dog park of sorts. Rooms with decks and a water view command a premium.
535 Route 6. 508–487–9090; outerreachresort.com
Beach Access
ISABELLE’S BEACH HOUSE, Oak Bluffs
An easy walk from the ferry terminal, this airy Martha’s Vineyard guesthouse sits across the street from Joseph Sylvia State Beach. It’s a tossup whether you’ll wake to the sound of light surf or the tantalizing aroma of breakfast muffins baking in the kitchen. Each bright room has a small refrigerator.
83 Seaview Ave. 508–693–3955; isabellesbeachhouse.com
Island Bargain
THE BARNACLE INN, Nantucket
Here’s an old-fashioned B&B tucked into a garden landscape in the historic district, about two blocks from the commercial hubbub. The 15 rooms, all named for whaling vessels, vary in size but share a folksy décor, with handmade quilts on the beds. A few rooms have hall baths.
11 Fair St. 508–228–0332; thebarnacleinn.com
Mansion
GATEWAYS INN, Lenox
The Shakespeare fan in you will delight in the fact that the 12 guest rooms in this 1912 mansion get their names from the Bard’s characters. The vacationer in you will adore the way this gracious lodging makes an elegant base for enjoying the summer arts scene. Don’t miss the Piano Bar—it’s a good place for a quick pre-curtain dinner and a relaxing post-curtain dessert.
51 Walker St. 413-637-2532; gatewaysinn.com
Best Dining in Massachusetts
Hungry? The Bay State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in Massachusetts.
BREWPUB
THE PEOPLE’S PINT, Greenfield
While bottled versions of People’s Pint beers are available across Massachusetts, only the original brewpub restaurant serves them with the upper Pioneer Valley bonhomie that has made this 20-year veteran of downtown Greenfield one of its most enduring gastronomic institutions. Don’t expect extreme brews here: The well-balanced session ales, ambers, and stouts are brewed to be perfect for drinking with food or just laid-back sipping. Try the veggie peanut rice bowl with a pint of bright, slightly piney Training Wheels.
413-773-0333; thepeoplespint.com
BURGER
20 RAILROAD PUBLIC HOUSE, Great Barrington
Dating back to at least 1919, the mirrored mahogany bar from the Commodore Hotel in Manhattan is one of the few things here that isn’t local. In a cozy space dominated by exposed brick, warm wood, and vintage-style lighting, chef Sean Corcoran serves produce and humanely raised meats from a long list of regional farms. The star of the show is the burger, which benefits from a custom grind of short rib and brisket; house-made applewood-smoked bacon is optional … and recommended.
413-528-9345; 20railroadpublichouse.com
CAFÉ
SUNBIRD, Orleans
Perched at the edge of a shopping plaza in Orleans, this café is a little slice of California cool on the Cape (think chalkboard menus, tables fashioned from wood slabs). Originally opened as the brick-and-mortar outpost of a popular but now-defunct Wellfleet food truck, Sunbird serves up porchetta-and-fried-egg sandwiches and quinoa porridge with coconut milk, dates, and candied ginger coupled with Counter Culture and Tandem coffee by day, and worldly snacks and plates—ramen, rigatoni with pork sugo, and pho, oh my!—by night.
508-237-0354; birdinthesun.com
CHOWDER
CHATHAM PIER FISH MARKET, Chatham
Hike down the steep slope of Barcliff Avenue, where this busy market dominates a busy working pier, and you might think our judgment has been swayed by the setting: the keening seagulls, the bobbing seals, the weatherworn fishing boats. But we’d choose this chowder even if it was spooned up miles from the coast. Rich with brine and clams, just creamy enough, never gummy, it’s worthy of a day’s journey from wherever you are. 508-945-3474; chathampierfishmarket.com
DOUGHNUTS
BACK DOOR DONUTS, Oak Bluffs
Everyone from The New York Times to Condé Nast Traveler has waxed poetic about these sweet treats, and for excellent reason: Fresh, cheap, and available between 7 p.m. and 12:58 a.m. in-season from the rear door of Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café & Bakery, these doughnuts might just be the island’s worst-kept secret (as demonstrated by the nightly long lines). Raised and cake varieties are on offer, and favorite flavors include maple-bacon and butternut crunch. Conflicted about deviating from your summer frozen-dessert routine? Order the “Charlie,” a doughnut of your choice topped with chocolate or vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate.
508-693-3688; mvbakery.com
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
BLACKFISH, Truro
Designated simply by a hanging wrought-iron fish on Truro Center Road, this blacksmith shop turned restaurant has been reeling in lower Cape diners since 2007 with refined fare starring bounty from nearby purveyors: Nauset mussels, Longnook Meadows Farms lettuces, Wellfleet Chicken Coop eggs, and so on. In other words, chef Eric Jansen was doing farm-to-table well before it was buzzy. Not content to rest on their locavore laurels, however, Jansen and company now host a winter pop-up at his burger spot, Local 186, in Provincetown, and also operate the Crush Pad food truck at Truro Vineyards.
508-349-3399
HOT DOGS
JACK’S HOT DOG STAND, North Adams
Now starting on its second century in the same spot, this family-owned lunch counter is a downtown North Adams institution. You could order a burger, but the diminutive hot dogs custom-made by Wohrle’s in Pittsfield are Jack’s calling card. The two most popular variations are “with everything” (which translates as mustard, relish, and onion) and “chili cheese,” which signifies a dog wrapped in orange American cheese and slathered with the house chili sauce. All come served on squishy steamed buns.
413-664-9006; jackshotdogstand.com
NEW BAKERY
THE BAKER NEW BEDFORD, New Bedford
Opened in late 2016 next door to the police station, the Baker New Bedford may inspire some predictable joking about its clientele. But members of the local constabulary aren’t the only ones stopping in here for a cup of coffee and a doughnut—and a whole lot more. After honing his craft in Boston, Brandon Roderick chose his hometown of New Bedford for his Parisian-style bakery-café. It’s usually open until midafternoon, but fair warning: Roderick sells only what he baked fresh that day, so when the scrumptious breads, croissants, and quiches run out, time’s up.
774-202-1901; thebakernb.com
NEW ENGLAND CUISINE
SALEM CROSS INN, WEST BROOKFIELD
Travelers whose appetite for the historic has been stoked at Brimfield or Old Sturbridge Village tend to make a beeline for the Salem Cross Inn, situated on a 600-acre farmstead that dates back to the early 1700s. The inn’s atmospheric restaurant and tavern elevate traditional dishes such as pot roast, clam chowder, and Indian pudding with an emphasis on from-scratch freshness and local ingredients—a laudable ethos that’s applied to more modern menu options, too, like vegan veggie ribbon noodles and cedar-plank salmon.
508-867-2345; salemcrossinn.com
Best Local Catch | Short & Main, Gloucester
Credit: Ren Yagolnitzer
Best Local Catch | Short & Main, Gloucester Credit: Ren Yagolnitzer
LOCAL CATCH
SHORT & MAIN, Gloucester
The entrée menu isn’t written on the chalkboard until the fishermen land their catch, but you can count on dayboat seafood from Gloucester’s fleet. The stunning raw bar is stocked from clam flats and oyster beds on both Cape Ann and Cape Cod.
36 Main St.978–281–0044; shortandmain.com
SMALL PLATES
BRAVA, Lenox
Brava unites the best of Spanish and Italian small plates with exemplary selections of wine by the glass and beer on tap. Reservations aren’t accepted, but you can usually find a place at the bar to nibble on the likes of bruschetta with wild mushrooms, goat cheese, walnuts, and fig jam, or to tuck into a plate of lollipop lamb chops.
27 Housatonic St. 413–637–9171; bravalenox.com
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
PRAIRIE WHALE, Great Barrington
Wunderkind restaurateur Mark Firth was thriving with farm-to-table restaurants in Brooklyn, but he decided to get much closer to the food sources and moved to the Berkshires. Now he raises Prairie Whale’s pigs, sheep, and laying hens in nearby Monterey and buys the restaurant produce locally. Start with fried green tomato and goat cheese, then savor roast chicken with baby turnips.
178 Main St. 413–528–5050; facebook.com/PrairieWhale
COLLEGE-TOWN DINING
30 BOLTWOOD, Amherst
The principal dining room at the Lord Jeffery Inn serves straightforward—dare we say, simple —food in a convivial atmosphere with relaxed but attentive service. Roast pork loin might come with a side of smoked corn risotto; a Delmonico steak with steamed beans and braised collard greens. The ricotta tart with cornmeal crust and seasonal fruit is always a dessert favorite.
30 Boltwood Ave. 413–835–2011; 30boltwood.com
POLISH FOOD
SMIAROWSKI FARM STAND & CREAMERY, Sunderland
From the first asparagus to the last Blue Hubbard squash, Smiarowski Farm Stand offers all the bounty of the Connecticut Valley. Instead of burgers and hot dogs, the take-out food window serves homemade specialties like cabbage rolls and sandwiches of grilled kielbasa slathered with horseradish and served on dark rye bread. Try them all on the Polish Power Plate.
320 River Rd. 413–665–3830
BLUEBERRY DOUGHNUTS
ADAMS DONUTS, Greenfield
Adams opens at 5:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. on Sundays), and many of the doughnut varieties are sold out well in advance of the noon closing. The moist, slightly crumbly blueberry doughnut represents the perfect balance of cake and glaze. No wonder Adams has served Greenfield for more than 50 years.
348 Federal St. 413–774–4214; adamsdonuts.com
CUPCAKES
SWEET PASTRY SHOP & DESSERT BAR, Worcester
Sweet leads a double life as a daytime cake shop and an evening bar with lots of cocktails and both sweet and savory small plates. A cupcake sampler will introduce you to buttery treats with dense frosting. In the evening, you can even get a cupcake with your cosmo.
72 Shrewsbury St. 508–373–2248; sweetworcester.com
RETRO DINING
17 STATE STREET CAFÉ, Newburyport
The embossed tin ceiling, tile floors, and booths of a former soda shop and newsstand strike just the right note for this old-fashioned restaurant,which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pancakes rule breakfast, while 17 burger variations are served from noon on. Dinner gets marginally fancier, with seared tuna, barbecued ribs, and fried chicken.
17 State St. 978–948–3456; 17statestreetcafe.com
NEAPOLITAN PIZZA
PIZZERIA POSTO, Somerville
The first establishment in New England to pass the stringent requirements of Italy’s Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Posto bakes hand-kneaded pies in a domed, wood-fired oven for about 90 seconds—just as the Naples pizzerias do. Purists stick to the Margherita, but the daring among us opt for a pie topped with fennel-roasted pork and oozy fontina.
187 Elm St. 617– 625–0600; postoboston.com
AIRPORT FOOD
NANCY’S AIRFIELD CAFÉ, Stow
Chef Nancy MacPherson’s cooking represents her globetrotting ways, from Middle Eastern hummus to classic American burgers. Many diners are recreational pilots who keep their planes at this small airstrip, visible through the restaurant’s big windows, but the general public is welcome, too. Saturday and Sunday brunches are popular with families.
302 Boxboro Rd. 978–897–3934; nancysairfieldcafe.com
BEER LIST
THE NEW WORLD TAVERN, Plymouth
It’s a beer drinker’s nirvana, offering more than 30 craft brews on tap and another 120 in the bottle. But it’s worth stopping by for the dining as well. Besides the usual pub grub, chef Johnny Sheehan makes inventive beer-friendly dishes like green papaya with crisp pork belly and ramen soup with duck confit.
56 Main St. 508–927–4250; thenewworldtavern.com
GASTROPUB
QUICKS HOLE TAVERN, Woods Hole
This tavern next to the ferry landing gives Woods Hole a much-needed injection of year-round casual contemporary cooking with small plates like house-pickled vegetables, quahog fritters, and fried oysters, as well as fancier offerings such as black-pepper fettuccine with grilled radicchio. Big windows let diners watch the ferries come and go.
29 Railroad Ave. 508–495–0048; quicksholewickedfresh.com
SEAFOOD IN THE ROUGH
MAC’S ON THE PIER, Wellfleet
No matter how long the lines are at the order counter, there’s always a picnic table free on the adjacent sand when your number is called. This is the spot to indulge in steamers, lobster, fried fish, onion rings, or even a fish taco. The sunset is free, and you can crown the evening with ice cream soft-serve or scooped. BYOB.
Wellfleet Harbor, 265 Commercial St. 508–349–9611; macsseafood.com
HARBOR DECK DINING
TIN PAN ALLEY, Provincetown
Just across from Town Hall, this New American bistro takes its name from the antique tin ceiling and the repertoire played at the piano nbar nightly from 9:00 p.m. The long, narrow dining room, which passes the open kitchen, leads all the way back to an exquisite deck for al fresco dining on dayboat scallops or steak-of-the-day while overlooking the harbor.
269 Commercial St. 508–487–1648; tinpanalleyptown.com
Farm-to-Table Dining
WOOD’S HILL TABLET, Concord
Food activist and chef Kristin Canty went all-out to support local growers by making a documentary about the plight of family farms (Farma¬geddon) and opening this locavore restaurant, serving meat raised in New Hampshire, produce from New England farms, and fish from New England boats. It all tastes great.
24 Commonwealth Ave. 978–369–6300; woodshilltable.com
Best Farm-to-Table Dining | Wood’s Hill Table, Concord
Credit: Heidi Murphy
Best Farm-to-Table Dining | Wood’s Hill Table, Concord Credit: Heidi Murphy
CRAFT COCKTAILS
BEETLEBUNG, Oak Bluffs
The quirky home-goods and clothing boutique group has spawned a delightful café—coffee bar by day, snazzy cocktail bar and small-plates hangout after dark. Chill with a tall blackberry lemonade with Rittenhouse rye, while slurping littlenecks steamed in red, yellow, and green Thai curries.
53 Circuit Ave. 508–696–0053; beetlebung.com
GLOBAL DINING
THE PROPRIETOR’S BAR & TABLE, Nantucket
Those Quaker whalers who made the first Nantucket fortunes picked up a taste for the exotic as they chased their quarry around the globe. Honoring that tradition, this contemporary American restaurant borrows techniques and spices from Asia and Europe to make the most of New England meat and fish. A crispy chicken roll, for instance, might be served with kimchee mayo and sweet chili sauce, while fried oysters get some heat from Tabasco remoulade.
9 India St. 508–228–7477; proprietorsnantucket.com
Taste of the Alps
HAFLINGER HAUS, Adams
The tavern, dining room, and outdoor beer garden at this Austrian inn feel like a taste of the Tyrolean Alps in the Berkshires. The schnitzels (pounded and breaded cutlets) are a treat, especially the jaeger (hunter) schnitzel with mushrooms, but don’t miss the goulash crêpe with paprika sauce, or the homey pot of goulash over handmade dumplings.
17 Commercial St. 413–743–2221; haflingerhaus.com
Seasonal Menus
CAFE ADAM, Great Barrington
Chef Adam Zieminski offers a sophisticated dining experience in a dressy room. The highly local menu changes daily, but a few popular dishes—such as sausage frites with homemade ketchup—never go on hiatus. Zieminski rarely repeats a daily special, so you could eat a new dish every night.
420 Stockbridge Rd. 413–528–7786; cafeadam.org
Moroccan Food
AMANOUZ CAFE, Northampton
Along with a few well-chosen French standards (lentil salad, tasty omelets), Amanouz rounds out Mediterranean cuisine with chicken, lamb, and beef meatball kebabs as well as multiple versions of couscous and spicy Moroccan tagines. Vegetarians also fare well with such classic eastern-Med dishes as veggie skewers, baba ghanoush, and falafel. Don’t miss the mint tea.
44 Main St. 413–585–9128; amanouz.com
Pizza
RED ROSE PIZZERIA, Springfield
Red Rose keeps the faith with true pizza as it’s made in Naples by mixing up fresh dough daily, hand-stretching it very, very thin, and cooking the pies in a ferociously hot oven. It’s all part of a proud Italian family tradition. Although some heavier Americanized toppings are available, do yourself a favor and keep it light to enjoy the amazing crust.
1060 Main St. 413-739–8510; redrosepizzeria.com
Grilled-Cheese Sandwiches
BIRCHTREE BREAD COMPANY, Worcester
With yeasty loaves made from organic grains grown in the rich soil of Gill, a tiny farming town in western Massachusetts, this 50-seat bakery/café is well prepared with the foundations for great sandwiches. Two grilled options add more local flavors: Cabot cheddar with apple mostarda on coriander–raisin bread, and Vermont Shepherd sheep cheese with quince jam and almonds on country bread.
138 Green St. 774–243–6944; birchtreebreadcompany.com
Ice Cream
NEW CITY MICROCREAMERY, Hudson
Liquid nitrogen fumes rising from industrial mixers create a mad-scientist aura at New City—but flash-freezing creates super-creamy, super-smooth ice cream with no discernible ice crystals. The owners experiment with small batches of the flavors of their wildest dreams, such as cinnamon–nutmeg fudge and fennel–pistachio.
28 Main St. 978–333–7144; newcitymicrocreamery.com
BBQ
B.T.’S SMOKEHOUSE, Sturbridge
Hardcore fans of Brian Treitman’s barbecue joint remember when it was nothing more than an improvised smoker and a shack with an order counter. But the expanded restaurant digs haven’t affected the authenticity of the pork ribs and beef brisket, slow-cooked over hickory and local applewood.
392 Main St. 508–347–3188; btsmokehouse.com
Coffee Stop
SIX DEPOT ROASTERY & CAFE, West Stockbridge
The brainchild of husband-and-wife team Flavio Lichtenthal and Lisa Landry, this local favorite is where community and coffee come together. Housed in a retired station building, the shop is a little bit of everything: small-batch coffee roaster, café, art gallery, and event space. Come for a menu of sweet treats, sandwiches, and salads; stay for the local artwork and maybe a performance.
6 Depot St. 413-232-0205; sixdepot.com
Best Coffee Stop | Six Depot Roastery and Cafe,West Stockbridge
Credit: Aimee Tucker
Best Coffee Stop | Six Depot Roastery and Cafe,West Stockbridge Credit: Aimee Tucker
Sweet Shop
CHOCOCOA CAFE, Newburyport
Inside the Tannery Marketplace is a kid-friendly café serving artisanal whoopie pies, plus excellent espresso and hot and cold coffee drinks. One section of the shop features a play area for the small fry, while the “Coffice Space” is designed for folks meeting up to do business.
50 Water St., Mill Building #1. 978–499–8889; chococoabaking.com
Breakfast
SUGAR MAGNOLIA’S, Gloucester
For people who truly believe that breakfast is the best meal of the day, this standout goes the extra mile: crab-cake Benedict; pineapple fritters with brown-sugar dipping sauce; fluffy carrot-cake pancakes; or the “Breakwater Omelet,” stuffed with lobster and herbed cream cheese.
112 Main St. 978–281–5310; sugarmags.com
Diner-Inspired Food
ROSEBUD AMERICAN KITCHEN & BAR, Somerville
The classic Worcester car that fronts this restaurant is mostly window dressing, but the diner spirit prevails in dishes such as grilled pork chop, bacon-packed meatloaf, country-fried steak, and house-made pies. Entrées: from $18.
381 Summer St. 617–629–9500, rosebudkitchen.com
Meat Lover’s Dining
THE BACKROOM, Waltham
When master of charcuterie Joshua Smith ex¬panded his cutting-edge deli to include a dining room, he made meats the centerpiece of the menu—and of the décor, with sausages hanging from the ceiling. Bourbon-bathed pork belly and meatballs made from the trimmings of roasts and steaks are top among the small plates. Seasonal vegetables roast up golden-brown in his wood-fired oven.
468 Moody St. 781-216-8732; moodyswaltham.com
Shore-to-Table Dining
THE BACK EDDY, Westport
On the Westport River near Horseneck Beach, this casual restaurant with tables on the back dock serves great local seafood, including bay scallops farmed in Buzzards Bay. The kitchen loves local producers, from delectable Hannabell cheese thimbles to herbs from Eva’s Garden. Cod and lobster come from nearby waters.
1 Bridge Rd. 508–636–6500; thebackeddy.com
Island Seafood
STATE ROAD RESTAURANT, West Tisbury
The extensive garden out back attests to West Tisbury’s deep roots as Martha’s Vineyard’s farm town, but Mary and Jackson Kenworth are just as proud of the catch they buy from local fishermen. Timing is everything, from fluke and black bass to midsummer bluefish to late-summer bonito and yellowfin tuna.
State Rd. 508–693–8582; stateroadrestaurant.com
Best Fresh Fish
PISCES, Chatham
One of the rare restaurants to work with local weir fishermen as well as day boats, Pisces offers an ever-changing menu that’s a cheat sheet for the fish currently swimming in Cape waters. Its “coastal cuisine” draws on world sources, but spicing is always secondary to the flavor of the fish itself.
2653 Main St. 508–432–4600; piscesofchatham.com
Best Wine Bar
JOON BAR, Provincetown
The pared-down American bistro menu (seasonally changing selections, such as whole wood-grilled fish and sausage flatbread with grilled corn) makes a perfect dance partner for the well-chosen list of wines by the glass. Sit at the sleek bar and snack all night on shared plates of duck sliders on buttermilk biscuits or frites with smoked-tomato ketchup.
133 Commercial St. 508–413–9336; joonbar.com
Best Burger
LOLA BURGER, Nantucket
An upscale burger joint with more than 30 craft beers makes so much sense on Nantucket that you might have to stand in line to get inside. The signature “Lola Burger” is a half-pound patty with cheddar cheese, red-onion compote, and foie-gras sauce. The “adult happy meal” includes the burger with fries and a quarter-bottle of California brut. Tuna, lamb, and falafel burgers are also available.
1 Sparks Ave. 508–228–9491; lolaburger.com
Best Bargains in Massachusetts
Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Massachusetts.
WALKING TOUR
TANGLEWOOD WALKING TOURS, Lenox
In July and August, stroll the Tanglewood grounds to learn the history of the property and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer tenure here. Hour-long tours visit the Koussevitzky Music Shed and Ozawa Hall as well as the photo and memorabilia-filled Visitors’ Center. Free tours offered Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
297 West St. 413–637–5393; bso.org
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BOTANICAL GARDEN
THE BOTANIC GARDEN OF SMITH COLLEGE, Northampton (1894)
Smith students live and study inside a botanical showcase. Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape-architecture firm helped lay out the scientific gardens here in the late 19th century, and there’s almost always something in bloom among this collection of more than 6,000 plants. Don’t miss the Lyman Conservatory greenhouses. Free.
16 College Ln. 413–585–2740; smith.edu/garden
FLEA MARKET
RAYNHAM FLEA, Raynham
You never know what kind of treasure you’ll unearth at this massive f lea market of more than 500 dealers indoors and hundreds more outside—from antiques and collectibles to electronics and toys to fishing tackle and baseball caps, and everything in between—plus plenty of food onsite to keep you going. Held every Sunday except Easter, kids 12 and under get in free.
480 South St. West. 508–823–8923; raynhamflea.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BAND CONCERTS
CHATHAM BAND, Chatham (1931)
Just as they have for more than 60 years, the members of the Chatham Band don their red uniforms and break out their sheet music at Kate Gould Park on Friday nights from July 3rd to September 4th. They literally strike up the band at 8:00 p.m., but most concertgoers arrive early to buy sweets at Chatham Candy Manor before claiming their spots on the grass. Free.
Off Main St. and Chatham Bars Ave. chathamband.com
FREE FRIDAYS
FREE FUN FRIDAYS FROM HIGHLAND STREET FOUNDATION, Statewide
Your family can enjoy a smorgasbord of art, history, and nature on “Free Fun Fridays” between late June and late August. Each week at least five organizations—from museums to zoos to gardens and nature centers across Massachusetts — welcome visitors with free admission. Check the website for a full list of organizations.
617-969-8900; highlandstreet.org
Best Classic Attractions in Massachusetts
There’s a lot to see and do in the Bay State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in Massachusetts.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – OLD-TIME BASEBALL
WAHCONAH PARK, Pittsfield (1919)
Watching the Pittsfield Suns is like going back to the future, or in this case, the Futures League for college players. Organized baseball has been played in Pittsfield since 1892 (and college ball since 1859), and Wahconah Park itself—one of the last remaining parks with a wooden grandstand— dates from 1919.
105 Wahconah St. 413-445-7867; pittsfieldsuns.pointstreaksites.com/view/pittsfieldsuns
WHALING HISTORY
NEW BEDFORD WHALING NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, New Bedford
Until the discovery of petroleum, New Bedford lit the nation’s candles and lamps and greased the wheels of industry with whale oil. The museum recapitulates the history, but the city’s buildings also tell the tale. See the church where the seamen prayed, the wharves where the vessels set sail, the counting house and the Custom House, and a mansion where whaling merchants lived in luxury.
33 William St. (Visitors’ Center). 508–996–4095; nps.gov/nebe
Best Whaling History | New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford
Credit: Brenda Darroch
Best Whaling History | New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford Credit: Brenda Darroch
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – MODERN ARCHITECTURE
GROPIUS HOUSE , Lincoln (1938)
Bauhaus simplicity and efficiency dovetailed neatly with New England traditions, so when former Bauhaus director Walter Gropius built his home in 1938, the radical architecture wasn’t completely out of place. Revolutionary in its use of innovative materials, this boxy home has become a classic seven decades later.
68 Baker Bridge Rd. 781–259–8098; historicnewengland.org
DRIVE-IN
MENDON TWIN DRIVE-IN, Mendon
When the Mendon Drive-In opened in 1954, outdoor screens around the nation trembled at the sight of Them, a race of giant ants spawned by a radiation accident. Mendon added a second screen in 1998 and is now an enduring reminder of a nostalgic era of American car culture — and the double feature.
35 Milford St. 508–473–4958;mendondrivein.com
AFTERNOON TEA
DUNBAR TEA SHOP, Sandwich
Afternoon tea is the most civilized of meals. At this tearoom in a Colonial-era carriage house, finger sandwiches, extravagant pastries, and scones are served on Blue Willow china,along with a pot of freshly brewed tea. In nice weather, you can opt for a table on the outdoor patio.
1 Water St. 508–833–2485; dunbartea.com
Best Outdoor Attractions in Massachusetts
The Bay State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Massachusetts.
TREETOP ADVENTURE
RAMBLEWILD, Lanesborough
Climb, walk, and zoom through the forest canopy on Ramblewild’s eight trails, each color-coded like a ski slope from yellow to double black diamond. The courses cover 17 acres with more than 100 elements—logs, nets, ziplines, rope bridges, ladders, tunnels—on a self-guided system with clip-in harness. All visits start with a short orientation for safety and technique.
110 Brodie Mountain Rd. 844–472-6253; ramblewild.com
Best Treetop Adventure | Ramblewild, Lanesborough
Credit: Sean McGlynn
Best Treetop Adventure | Ramblewild, Lanesborough Credit: Sean McGlynn
RIVER TUBING
DEERFIELD RIVER PORTAGE, Conway
It’s hard to think of anything more refreshing than bobbing down a cool river on a hot summer’s day. Deerfield River Portage provides the tubes and the transportation for a hassle-free trip along a pristine stretch of this scenic waterway. Bring your own sunscreen, river shoes, and snack.
617 Hoosac Rd. 413–282–7678; drportage.com
DISC-GOLF COURSE
MAPLE HILL DISC GOLF COURSE, Leicester
Ready to move beyond Ultimate Frisbee? Try the challenging sport of disc golf at this former family farm, complete with woodsy holes and multiple water hazards. Rated as one of the top 10 courses in the world, Maple Hill hosts several tournaments, but has color-coded approaches to each hole rated from novice to expert.
132 Marshall St. 508–754–3472; maplehilldiscgolf.org
LLAMA HIKE
PINETUM FARM LLAMAS, Granby
One- or two-hour llama-accompanied hikes on this 50-acre farm on the south side of the Holyoke Range feel a lot like taking a very big dog for a walk. Llamas can weigh 400 pounds, but these gentle creatures make good company. Because they’re cold-weather critters, most hikes take place in spring and fall.
7 Harris St. 413–467–7263; pinetumfarm.com
SURF LESSONS
SACRED SURF SCHOOL, Wellfleet
Sacred Surf holds that riding a wave is much more than an athletic thrill: It’s a mystical connection to the beauty and power of the ocean and the confidence of trusting your own capabilities. The Cape’s most consistent breaks happen just offshore from Marconi Beach, making this the perfect spot to learn.
Marconi Beach Rd. 508–514–1555; sacredsurfschool.com
Spotlight: Boston
Looking for fun in Beantown? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best in Boston.
BEST ATTRACTIONS IN BOSTON
BOTANICAL GARDEN
ARNOLD ARBORETUM, Boston
The stats on this crown jewel in the Emerald Necklace park system are enough to make any green thumb giddy: 281 acres that are home to 15,000 living plants, including 4,000 kinds of trees, shrubs, and vines. You can wander at will, of course, but to really explore this urban oasis, check the calendar for weekly free events, from guided nature walks to morning yoga beneath the branches. Arriving on two wheels? Thanks to the recent Casey Overpass grounding project, there are now off-street bike lanes for an easier connection from the busy Southwest Corridor path.
617-524-1718; arboretum.harvard.edu
CINEMA OR DRIVE-IN
KENDALL SQUARE CINEMA, Cambridge
In 2016 (the year it actually turned 21), this beloved theater won permission to begin slinging beer and wine—and not just any beer and wine, as it turned out, but stellar local selections from Cambridge Brewing Co. and Lamplighter Brewing Co., among others. Installing the bar was among the renovations completed at this nine-screen venue last year; there’s also fresh carpeting and lighting in the lobby and cushy reclining seats throughout. And while it’s technically part of the Landmark Theatres chain, Kendall Square Cinema retains an art-house ethos: There’s always something intriguing on its schedule, from new indie releases and foreign-language films to festivals and other special events (local premieres, Italian opera).
617-621-1202; landmarktheatres.com
FAMILY ADVENTURE
GEORGES ISLAND, Boston
Accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride and the home of spooky 19th-century Fort Warren (supposedly haunted by the “Lady in Black”), this Boston Harbor Island feels worlds—and centuries—away from downtown. Adding to the back-in-time appeal are Civil War–era baseball games with vintage rules and uniforms, while staff-guided tours, kid-friendly concerts, lawn games, and Lego fort-building sessions round out the activity roster—all in all, a day of entertainment well worth the $43 for a family four-pack of round-trip tickets.
617-223-8666; bostonharborislands.org
FARMERS’ MARKET
UNION SQUARE MARKET, Somerville
One of the state’s largest farmers’ markets, this ever-expanding bazaar bursts with vibrant veggies and fruits, tasty small-batch treats (from vendors such as Fox Point Pickling Company, Jaju Pierogi, and Q’s Nuts), and street snacks from mid-May to mid-November. Sure, Union Square lies a bit outside downtown, but you can easily make a day of it: Grab brunch at recently renovated neighborhood favorite the Independent (think sweet potato biscuits and high-octane bloody marys) or head to newly opened Bow Market and keep the artisanal foods and craft beers coming.
617-955-0080; unionsquaremain.org
NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION
THE WATERSHED, Boston
Turning a condemned factory in the East Boston shipyard into a space for art exhibits and cultural programs is a gutsy move—as is setting the admission price at $0. In honor of the Institute of Contemporary Art’s bold vision for its seasonal satellite, we’ll go out on a limb ourselves and predict that the Watershed, which opens July 4 with a major installation by pioneering California artist Diana Thater, will be a high-water mark for its parent museum.
617-478-3100; icaboston.org
WALKING TOUR
BITES OF BOSTON FOOD TOURS, Boston
For lunch with a side of history, book a tour through this boutique company founded by Bay State native Alyssa Schoenfeld. Currently on offer are the trivia-filled “Sweet & Savory South End” jaunt—featuring snacks and stops at six neighborhood standouts, including cheese mecca Formaggio Kitchen and Joanne Chang’s original Flour bakery—and the “Allston Arts & Eats” ramble around an up-and-coming Boston dining destination, with bonus street art. You’ll leave with a full stomach (we couldn’t finish our mac and cheese at Stephi’s on Tremont, the last hurrah on the South End stroll) and new perspectives.
617-477-0567; bitesofbostonfoodtours.com
BOSTON MEMENTOS
MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS STORE, Boston
The classic children’s book has its very own shop, run by Adam and Jamie Hirsch, the duo behind Harvard Square’s Curious George store. Find children’s books by hometown authors, plush storybook characters, and literary-themed kids’ clothes—particularly those with duckling motifs.
8 North Market Building, Faneuil Hall. 617-573-9888; makewayforducklings.com
OUTDOOR STROLL
ROSE F. KENNEDY GREENWAY, Boston
There are many things to love about this 15-acre public park: rotating public-art installations,an old-fashioned carousel, seasonal outdoor markets, and plenty of food trucks, to name a few. This year, Boston Public Market will arrive to anchor this lush landmark, offering fresh produce from local farmers, grab-and-go meals, and cooking demonstrations by noted chefs.
rosekennedygreenway.org
Best Outdoor Stroll | Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, Boston
Credit: Susan Cole Kelly
Best Outdoor Stroll | Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, Boston Credit: Susan Cole Kelly
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
JOHN F. KENNEDY MUSEUM, Boston
2015 is a banner year for the museum, with the arrival of 500 hours of restored historical footage and the adjacent Edward M. Kennedy Institute. There’s also a new exhibit devoted to Jacqueline Kennedy’s years in the White House, highlighted by her own narration and never-before-seen artifacts.
Columbia Point. 617-514-1600; jfklibrary.org
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – INDIE HANGOUT
THE BRATTLE THEATRE, Cambridge (1949)
In a changing Harvard Square, the age-old Brattle endures, showing a blend of obscure, indie, and foreign films. Quirky authors and f ilmmakers such as David Lynch often appear for readings and screenings. You can almost smell the pipe smoke of bygone intellectuals.
40 Brattle St. 617-876-6838; brattlefilm.org
PLACE TO GEEK OUT
THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, Boston
A rite of passage for generations of children, the museum recently introduced an immersive 4-D movie hall that simulates sensory effects like rain, snow, and earthquakes. There are films for adventurers, like Planet Earth: Shallow Seas, plus kid-friendly f licks like Happy Feet. (Sorry, no Frozen yet.)
1 Science Park. 617-723-2500; mos.org
WAY TO SIGHTSEE
FREEDOM TRAIL RUN, Boston
Finally, a way to take in Boston’s sights while increasing your heart rate. On the 5K, two-hour guided course, you’ll catch your breath at landmarks including the Old North Church and the USS Constitution. Wind down with a ferry from Charlestown back to Long Wharf.
Jct. Park & Tremont Sts. 617-398-0611; freedomtrailrun.com
Inspiration
EDWARD M. KENNEDY INSTITUTE FOR THE UNITED STATES SENATE, Boston
Grapple with constitutional issues and explore Kennedy’s Senate legacy at this new institution near the JFK presidential library. Each visitor or family gets a tablet for easy interaction with the ever-changing programming. Visitors ages 5 to 8 may also borrow a “Junior Senator” backpack full of books and activities.
Columbia Point, 210 Morrissey Blvd. 617–740–7000; emkinstitute.org
New Art Space
HARVARD UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUMS, Cambridge
The central atrium in this jewel box of a museum building, designed by Renzo Piano, creates light-flooded spaces where the art gleams. The European, American, and classical art of the Fogg; the German art of the Busch–Reisinger; and Asian art from the Sackler collections all fit under one roof in a coherent flow.
32 Quincy St. 617–495–9400; harvardartmuseums.org
City Beach
SPECTACLE ISLAND, Boston
Just a half-hour ferry ride from Long Wharf, Spectacle is the gateway to the Boston Harbor Islands. A pristine sandy beach beckons sunbathers and swimmers; the urban towers on the horizon look close yet are refreshingly far away. The visitor center with restrooms and seasonal snack bar is adjacent.
Boston Harbor Islands. 617–223–8666; bostonharborislands.org
Walking Tour
BOSTON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, Boston
Rangers offer two informative free one-hour tours of the Freedom Trail. Both depart from Faneuil Hall, with “Meetings, Mobs & Martyrs” leading uphill to Old South Meeting House, and “Allegiance to Revolution” threading through the North End to Old North Church.
Faneuil Hall. 617–242–5642; nps.gov/bost
Free Evening Entertainment
SUMMER IN THE CITY, Boston
This dynamic outdoor series offers free movies and live soul, blues, and jazz bands on summer weeknights at Rowes Wharf. It’s sponsored by the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille at the Boston Harbor Hotel, but the area is public and there’s no pressure to order at the restaurant (or its bar), though the food and drink are top-flight.
70 Rowes Wharf. 617-856-7744; roweswharfseagrille.com/summer-in-the-city-boston-en.html
Vintage Rides
SWAN BOATS, Boston
Take an old-timey spin around the Public Garden lagoon in one of the marvelously ridiculous pedal boats decked out to look like giant swans. Said to be inspired by a scene in Wagner’s Lohengrin, the boats have been cruising here since 1877.
Public Garden, 4 Charles St. 617–522–1966; swanboats.com
Best Vintage Rides | Swan Boats, Boston
Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Best Vintage Rides | Swan Boats, Boston Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Folk-Music Club
CLUB PASSIM, Cambridge
Founded as Club 47 in 1958, this cellar spot in the alley between two buildings of the Harvard Coop remains Greater Boston’s venerable home for folk music, blues, and even a little jazz—pretty much any flavor of music played for active listeners.
47 Palmer St. 617–492–7679; passim.org
Urban Wilds
FRANKLIN PARK ZOO, Boston
With a pair of new lion brothers and the adorable little gorilla Azize (1 year old on May 14), the megafauna are getting all the glamour shots. But don’t overlook some of the less-heralded critters, such as the ruddy duck and the black-tailed prairie dog, both of them YouTube-ready.
1 Franklin Park Rd. 617–541–5466; zoonewengland.org
BEST LODGING IN BOSTON
CITY STAY, AFFORDABLE
YOTEL, Boston
The first local outpost from this U.K.-based micro-hotel chain is now open in the Seaport, stylishly chipping away at the Hub’s reputation for sky-high lodging rates. Snag a “cabin”—Yotel parlance for guest room—for less than $200 a night and enjoy mood lighting, a heated towel rack, and other smart, tech-y touches, such as self-service check-in kiosks. Not surprisingly, the rooms are on the small side (most are just 150 square feet), which is all the more reason to explore the sleek common spaces, such as the indoor-outdoor 12th-floor lounge.
617-377-4747; yotelboston.com
CITY STAY, UPSCALE
BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL, Boston
It’s the perfect introduction to Boston: feeling the salty breeze and watching the skyline unfurl from aboard a water taxi from Logan Airport directly to this harborside luxury hotel. After docking, the delights continue, as you settle into a spacious guest room replete with Frette linens and done up in elegant shades of blue (some with soaking tubs and all with views). With such a serene setting, you’d be forgiven for staying put—perhaps taking in an al fresco “Summer in the City” concert or movie from the outdoor terrace at the hotel’s Rowes Wharf Sea Grille?—but nearby top attractions such as the New England Aquarium and the Boston Public Market also beckon.
617-439-7000; bhh.com
FAMILY LODGING
KIMPTON MARLOWE HOTEL, Cambridge
Located a hop, skip, and a jump from the Museum of Science, this property has thought of everything to dazzle pint-size guests. And while welcome toys plucked from a treasure chest and animal-print mini robes are sweet, it’s the amenities that families can enjoy together that really put this hotel over the top: a fleet of bikes and tandem kayaks plus two new paddleboards for exploring the Charles River and the city; a kids’ menu at the on-site eatery Bambara, helmed by Barbara Lynch empire expat David Bazirgan; fidget spinners and a balloon animal–making magician to entertain little ones during complimentary wine hours for adults. Cheers to that.
617-868-8000; hotelmarlowe.com
PET-FRIENDLY LODGING
MIDTOWN HOTEL, Boston
A reborn motel where the South End meets the Fens, the Midtown offers, food and water dishes, pickup bags, and treats for your pet.
220 Huntington Ave. 617–262–1000; midtownhotel.com
NEW HOTEL
THE GODFREY HOTEL, Boston
This 242-room Downtown Crossing hotel has an older sibling in Chicago and a Hollywood location on the way, but its character is uniquely Boston thanks to the setting (the renovated turn-of-the-century Amory and Blake buildings) and the city-chic rooms (gray plaid headboards, tall windows framing the skyline). Adding to the local appeal: The grandfather of Hub coffee roasters, George Howell, has a serious cafe in the lobby, and on-site restaurant Ruka, turning out seafood-centric Peruvian-Japanese fare, is the newest venture from the Boston-based team behind Yvonne’s and Lolita Cocina. Burn off the calories with a free group running tour offered at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays March through November, weather permitting.
617-804-2000; godfreyhotelboston.com
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
XV BEACON, Boston
After a long day playing tourist, you and your significant other can be forgiven for pretending that this art-filled boutique hotel around the corner from the Boston Common is your very own swish pied-à-terre. The fact that it’s an inn for all seasons only adds to the fantasy: Peep panoramic city views from the rooftop deck in warmer months, and retreat downstairs to burrow under a cashmere throw in front of a gas fireplace (every room has one) when there’s a chill in the air. You’ll never want to go home.
617-670-1500; xvbeacon.com
NEW HOTEL
THE VERB HOTEL, Boston
This kitschy lair was once the Fenway Motor Lodge, and it has retained a nostalgic, only-in- Boston vibe. Local rock memorabilia line the walls, and the staff is quick with helpful insider suggestions on what to see and do. The house restaurant, Japanese pub Hojoko, serves sushi, tempura, and grilled meats; a heated outdoor pool lends an indulgent touch.
1271 Boylston St. 617-566-4500; theverbhotel.com
HOTEL VIEWS
THE COLONNADE, Boston
Here you’ll f ind Boston’s only rooftop pool, where a 2014 makeover resulted in cabanas and a full bar. Upscale French restaurant Brasserie Jo is a year-round treat; so are the rooms’ f loor-to-ceiling windows, offering lovely city panoramas. The site is unbeatable: You’re centrally located among Back Bay, the South End, Copley Square, and several museums.
120 Huntington Ave. 617-424-7000. colonnadehotel.com
HOTEL AMENITIES
THE CHARLES HOTEL, Cambridge
This regal Harvard Square hideaway has two superb restaurants (Henrietta’s Table and Rialto), a spa that incorporates herbs from the hotel’s garden, a lap pool with children’s hours, Regattabar, a beloved jazz club, and even care packages for traveling pets. In the winter, there’s a skating rink.
1 Bennett St. 617-864-1200; charleshotel.com
B&B
MARY PRENTISS INN, Cambridge
This Neoclassical lodging within walking distance of Porter and Harvard squares blends historic charm (high tea) with modern niceties (free parking, wireless). A hot breakfast is served every morning with local specialties like banana–nut waffles and Vermont maple syrup. Try to reserve Room 9, which boasts a woodburning fireplace.
6 Prentiss St. 617-661-2929; maryprentissinn.com
Boutique Hotel
HOTEL VERITAS, Cambridge
Tucked into a residential neighborhood five short blocks from Harvard Yard, Hotel Veritas brings a hushed boutique style to the halls of Ivy. Blending modern amenities with careful detailing, this chic lodging specializes in personal service and exquisite design.
1 Remington St. 617–520–5000; thehotelveritas.com
Downtown Hotel
AMES BOSTON HOTEL, Boston
Soothing modern minimalism is the hallmark of this establishment, carved out of one of Boston’s first skyscrapers, built in 1893 near the Old State House. Opt for an upper floor for skyline views from oversized windows.
1 Court St. 617–979–8100; ameshotel.com
Neighborhood Hotel
ENVISION HOTEL BOSTON, Jamaica Plain
This contemporary lodging overlooks an Olmsted park. Although few attractions are nearby, a stop on the E branch of the MBTA’s Green Line is almost outside the front door. Rooms are both comfortable and stylish.
81 South Huntington Ave. 617–383–5229; envision-hotel-boston.com
BEST DINING IN BOSTON
BURGER
CRAIGIE ON MAIN, Cambridge
Having already garnered ample praise and a cult following, this burger’s not easy to get. Chef Tony Maws gets a limited supply of grass-fed beef from a farm in Massachusetts, enough to make 18 patties a night. If you want one, you have to show up early. So why tease you with this unwieldy pick? Because it’s worth the effort. Maws spent months perfecting his recipe: the three cuts of beef blended with suet and bone marrow, the miso powder, the perfect grind. He developed a specific bun and his own ketchup. So putting this on your bucket list, if it isn’t already, is a fair challenge.
617-497-5511; craigieonmain.com
DINER
MIKE’S CITY DINER, Boston
New England is the birthplace of the diner and we have a lot of them, but what makes Mike’s stand out is the from-scratch goodness of the cooking. The turkey in the club sandwich and the signature turkey dinner is roasted on-site; the gravy begins with homemade stock. Even the pastrami and corned beef are made right here. Weekends offer a breakfast menu only—but the French toast is so good, you won’t miss that turkey.
617-267-9393; mikescitydiner.com
DOUGHNUTS
BLACKBIRD, Boston
Some doughnut shops excel at coming up with fun flavors (looking at you, maple bacon and pumpkin ale). Others master one form—the cake doughnut or the yeast-raised type—but fall flat on the other. Blackbird wins because it does it all, serving up inventive flavors such as chocolate pretzel and strawberry rhubarb and pulling off all styles with panache. The Boston cream is a dream, and the classic chocolate glazed is so richly chocolaty no one can top it.
617-482-9000; blackbirddoughnuts.com
NEW RESTAURANT
TASTING COUNTER, Somerville
This quirky prix fixe concept—which asks you to purchase a ticket in advance, then complete an online questionnaire about your food preferences—is a leap of faith. With chef Peter Ungár behind the stove, however, there’s always a soft landing. The food is highly technical but not gimmicky, allowing the flavors of seasonal ingredients—half of which are grown in Massachusetts—to shine in gorgeous compositions such as lobster tortellini with pine mushrooms in beef broth, and miso-marinated duck. Composed plates dazzle, flavors sing. And at the end of the night, there’s no tip to calculate or server to wrangle. You’ve already paid. All you have to do is float home.
617-299-6362; tastingcounter.com
SEAFOOD
MOONCUSSER FISH HOUSE, Boston
Carolyn Johnson rose to acclaim with 80 Thoreau, a farm-to-table gem whose reputation drew jaded Boston diners out to idyllic Concord. Now, she’s brought her clear vision and sourcing genius back to the city to reinvent that regional mainstay, the fish house. Here, the all-local catch is dolled up with a balance of skill and restraint: tuna with chestnut and red wine, monkfish with kohlrabi and tarragon. Like a well-conducted quartet, these flavors play in harmony.
617-917-5193; mooncusserfishhouse.com
Pizza
PICCO, Boston
All the pies at this South End stalwart are terrific, but we’d argue that the best pizza of all is Picco’s “Alsatian” pie, which tops a crisp and pillowy long-fermented crust with caramelized onions, crème fraîche, bacon, and Gruyère. No, this isn’t health food, but a small pizza for two is so good, it leaves your stomach satisfied and your dignity intact.
513 Tremont St. 617-927-0066; piccorestaurant.com
Burger
KIRKLAND TAP & TROTTER, Somerville
At his fine-dining restaurant, Craigie on Main, Tony Maws earned a cult following for a grass-fed burger, served only at the bar, made from three different cuts of locally sourced meat. At Kirkland, his more-casual tavern, the burger has the same deeply flavored, perfectly cooked beef with updated accents: Emmental cheese and a zingy kimchi Russian dressing. Even the bun and ketchup are homemade.
425 Washington St. 857-259-6585; kirklandtapandtrotter.com
Best Burger | Kirkland Tap & Trotter, Somerville
Credit: Michael Piazza
Best Burger | Kirkland Tap & Trotter, Somerville Credit: Michael Piazza
Bagels
BAGELSAURUS, Cambridge
At $4 a pop (with cream cheese), these bagels might come with a side of sticker shock, but trust us: They’re worth it. One bite of the cracklingly crisp exterior and the moist, chewy center will remind you that all those so-called bagels you’ve been eating are really just sandwich rolls with holes. Don’t miss the breakfast sandwich: a just-cooked jumbo egg with extra-sharp cheddar and mustard butter.
1796 Massachusetts Ave. 857-285-6103; bagelsaurus.com
Affordable Waterfront Dining
KO AT THE SHIPYARD, East Boston
We’re letting you in on a little secret here: The best waterfront views of Boston Harbor aren’t in Boston. They’re in up-and-coming East Boston. And the best view is from Piers Park, a refurbished waterfront idyll with incredible views of the city skyline. Just a short walk from the park, you’ll find the Boston Harbor Shipyard, a working marina where KO Catering & Pies operates a small café. KO’s food is inspired by both the home flavors and world travels of Australian owners Sam Jackson and Kara Butterfield. The menu includes savory beef pies, piri piri chicken, and sticky date pudding. So grab some food to go and bring it to the park, where a summer concert series provides the soundtrack and the sunset provides the magic.
256 Marginal St., Building 16. 617-418-5234; kocateringandpies.com
Romantic Spot
BONDIR, Cambridge
Jason Bond is a culinary romantic, expressing his passion for New England ingredients in menus laced with wild beach plums, Cape Cod oysters, Delicata squash, and local pasture-raised chicken. His food is sensuous in the purest sense. His partner, Monica Higgins, brings the same aesthetic to the dining room, stoking the fireplace in season, arranging little floral still lifes here and there, and greeting customers with genuine warmth. In short: There’s no better place to spark a new flame or rekindle an old one.
279A Broadway. 617-661-0009; bondircambridge.com
Sushi
UNI SASHIMI BAR, Boston
A caveat: This is not your go-to place for spicy tuna takeout. But if you’re interested in sushi as real cuisine, Ken Oringer’s small eatery in the lower level of the Eliot Hotel pairs exquisite fish (and pork belly, and foie gras …) with an international palette of flavors. That means Maine lobster tempura with Singapore black-pepper chili sauce, sea urchin with quail eggs pomegranate, curry, and raita. There’s also late-night ramen Fridays and Saturdays after 11:00.
370 Commonwealth Ave. 617- 536-7200; unisashimibar.com
Places to Eat Near Fenway Park
EASTERN STANDARD, Boston
For 10 years, Eastern Standard has been the gold standard of Boston brasseries for delivering on three key variables: great service; a cutting-edge bar program; and offering something for truly everyone: the burger with Vermont cheddar for the after-game set, the carrot agnolotti for vegetarians, the curated cheese plate and oyster bar for the foodie crowd.
528 Commonwealth Ave. 617-532-9100; easternstandardboston.com
SWEET CHEEKS Q, Boston
Star chef Tiffani Faison’s homage to Southern cooking means giant, pillowy biscuits and pulled pork good enough to earn a blue ribbon.
1381 Boylston St. 617-266-1300; sweetcheeksq.com
Places to Eat on The Freedom Trail
THE BREWER’S FORK, Charlestown
A mere six-minute walk from the U.S.S. Constitution Museum and “Old Ironsides” herself (that is, at the end of the trail), this Charlestown gastropub is drawing raves for its impressive beverage program (25 beers on tap and an inter¬national roster of hard ciders) and excellent wood-fired fare. Don’t miss the pizza, the impeccable burger, or the mussels cooked with cider, cream, and bacon, all enjoyed in a lovely outdoor beer garden, spring through fall.
7 Moulton St. 617-337-5703; brewersfork.com
The Brewer’s Fork | Charlestown
Credit: Christine Maus
The Brewer’s Fork | Charlestown Credit: Christine Maus
JM CURLEY, Boston
The team at JM Curley (named for James Michael Curley, the Boston politician and sometime inmate) serves comfort fare in a spirit of fun: housemade “cracka jack” popcorn, duck poutine, and barbecue-pork mac-and-cheese. If you’re touring the Freedom Trail, Curley’s location near the Common makes it a great spot for a break.
21 Temple Place. 617-668-5333; jmcurleyboston.com
Places to Eat Near Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
BOSTON PUBLIC MARKET, Boston
This year-old indoor food market at the Haymarket T station houses some 40 vendors, many of which offer snacks, drinks, or full meals to go, from the stellar grilled-cheese sandwich at the Cellars at Jasper Hill stand to the smoked-haddock chowder at Boston Smoked Fish Company to a reuben from Beantown Pastrami Company. Finish it off with ice cream from Crescent Ridge Dairy, fresh cider doughnuts from Red Apple Farm, or a marshmallow confection from Sweet Lydia’s, or take home some yogurt and cheese from Appleton Farms, or leafy greens from Corner Stalk Farm. The only tough part is deciding where to start.
100 Hanover St. 617-973-4909; bostonpublicmarket.org
DURGIN PARK, Boston
Who can resist this mainstay of traditional New England fare since 1827? A Boston visit would be incomplete without it. We recommend sticking with the classics: chowder, prime rib, pot roast, baked beans, and, of course, Indian pudding for dessert.
340 Faneuil Hall. 617-227-2038; arkrestaurants.com/durgin_park
Durgin Park | Boston
Places to Eat in Harvard Square
ALDEN & HARLOW, Cambridge
Since its red-hot opening in 2014, Alden & Harlow has remained a bright star on the Harvard Square dining scene. Michael Scelfo’s imaginative take on American food means local corn pancakes with popcorn, shisito peppers and maple, or crispy pork belly with caponata, walnuts, and Anson Mills grits. This is ambitious food, but the sane prices make it a great place to sample and share, as the menu encourages. And there’s a great burger for the meat-and-potatoes crowd.
40 Brattle St. 617-864-2100; aldenharlow.com
DARWIN’S LTD., Cambridge
If you want to get a feel for Harvard Square life, grab a sandwich and talk tenure with the locals at this mainstay café. (We’re partial to “The Story”: prosciutto, pesto, fresh mozzarella, and vinaigrette.)
148 Mount Auburn St. 617-354-5233; darwinsltd.com
Places to Eat in the North End
THE DAILY CATCH, Boston
The thing about the North End is that it’s never just about the food. So although there are many good places to eat, we like The Daily Catch not just for its fried calamari or its linguine with clams or saucy puttanesca, but for the crowd-pleasing, pan-clattering, elbow-to-elbow authenticity of a real North End restaurant. Even the long wait can be part of its charm, if the weather is fine and you keep a snack in your bag.
323 Hanover St. 617-523-8567; thedailycatch.com
GALLERIA UMBERTO, Boston
It’s open only for lunch, but this North End institution serves stupendous slices of Sicilian pizza and addictive arancini at prices that themselves feel historic. As with many North End favorites, the line may be long, but it’s worth it.
289 Hanover St. 617-227-5709
Best Places to Eat Near Beacon Hill
BEACON HILL BISTRO, Boston
Chef Lucas Sousa makes classic French bistro fare with New England–grown ingredients, so you’ll find frisée salad, moules frites, and duck confit—but the menu goes beyond the classics to include tagliatelle with truffle butter and short-rib tortellini with scallops and Asian pear. In the bistro tradition, the restaurant serves a more-casual lunch, making it a lovely place to settle into a comfy banquette and watch the parade of doyennes and politicos.
25 Charles St. 617-723-7525; beaconhillhotel.com
TATTTE BAKERY, Boston
Owner Tzurit Or’s Israeli upbringing infuses her breakfast and lunch menus with ingredients such as grilled halloumi cheese in an herb-studded salad, halva in a sweet morning bun, and rosewater in cloudlike meringues. But you’ll also find croque monsieur and vegetable tarte tatin with a full French accent.
70 Charles St. 617-723-5555; tattebakery.com
Best of Massachusetts from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Massachusetts from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
