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Greetings from Scenic Six again.
I’ve compiled a list of the top summertime activities in Massachusetts, both north and south of Boston. This week’s highlights also include information on a lobster festival in Maine and a blueberry festival in Vermont, as well as a tour of a nationally recognized lake located in our backyard.
Looking for good times north of Boston this summer?
I asked Nancy Gardella, executive director of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, to give her recommendations for the top summertime activities in the region because there are so many to choose from. I enjoy eating out in downtown Haverhill and going to the Tree House Brewery in Tewksbury with friends. Speaking of Haverhill, have a look at the brand-new rooftop bar that opened in the city in June.
Visit one of America s best lakes this summer
After being named one of America’s most magnificent lakes by USA Today readers, a trip to Lake Champlain might be in order. I completely agree with the newspaper that Burlington is an excellent site to explore the lake. I always like taking walks in Waterfront Park and stopping by the local eateries and stores. From the park, visitors can also take boat tours and picturesque cruises.
Pick your summer excursion south of Boston this summer
Paula Fisher, deputy director of See Plymouth, offered her recommendations for the top activities to do south of Boston for anyone planning a trip there this summer. In my experience, going on a whale watch is always a good idea. One of the top Renaissance fairs in America is King Richard’s Faire in Carver, which I hope to visit this year.
Travel
Tips
-
The Dyrt is helping you narrow down your camping choices this summer by naming the
10 best campgrounds in the Northeast
(five are in New England three in Maine, one in Mass., and one in N.H.)
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The Maine Lobster Festival, named among
the top specialty food festivals in America
, is taking place July 30 to Aug. 3 at Rockland s Harbor Park. Check out a seafood cooking contest, children s events, a parade, arts and crafts, live music, and, of course, plenty of lobster.
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Attention blueberry lovers:
Southern Vermont s Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
will happen July 25 to Aug. 3. Visitors can enjoy live music, crafts, a parade, block party, blueberry pancakes, blueberry pies, and more.
Deals and
Steals
-
Save money on last-minute tickets for performances taking place across the city by visiting the
ArtsBoston Booth
at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
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Sun Cruiser is offering to cover the cost of your beach parking in Massachusetts this summer. Beginning on June 20, the company began
reimbursing beachgoers $20 via Venmo
for uploading their 2025 beach parking receipt from any Massachusetts beach town. Act fast, because there are a limited number of reimbursements available.
-
Get a discount on your next Cape Cod stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster. Save 20% when you book three or more nights, courtesy of their
Summer Savings package
, which is valid through Aug. 31 (a four-night minimum applies if your trip includes a Friday or Saturday night).
Check out this ongoing list of discounts on lodging, dining, transportation, and activities taking place in New England to save even more money.
I’ll end with this image of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine, which was taken by Amy H.
Where have you been recently? Your images might be included in a future Scenic Six newsletter, so please submit them to [email protected].
Enjoy the trip, whether you’re planning your next getaway or taking a trip this week.
Palma, Kristi
Kristi Palma writes about New England tourism as a culture reporter for Boston.com. She writes about hotels, airlines, and activities in Boston and New England. She is the writer of the weekly travel newsletter Scenic Six.
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