Yankee Magazine May/June 2026

Nostalgia comes with a dash of wit (and plenty of modern amenities) at Camp DeForest, a new summer camp–themed hotel resort in Lincolnville, Maine. See p. 59

55 /// Best of New England

We know why the world loves New England. These six states have it all: wilderness, city lights, islands, mountains, art, history. But we never get tired of sharing why we love it, too, so come along as we shine our annual spotlight on this region’s best places to eat, stay, and play—and find more than 170 fresh ideas for your next great escape to New England.

South CountyRhode Island

THIS is South County, Rhode Island

100 miles of coastline featuring 20 public beaches to relax or play. Fresh, local seafood. Miles of hiking and biking trails that spill into lush forests and wildlife preserves. Clam cakes and chowder followed by ice cream. This is summer. Learn more at SouthCountyRI.com

side trips

14 /// Pop Stars

You may know Moxie, but don’t miss a chance to sip these other New England–crafted sodas, too. By

Courtney Hollands

16 /// Peak Perfection

These tough-love 4,000-footers invite outdoorsy travelers to level up and enjoy the view.

By Peter Andrey Smith

20 /// Play of the Land

A mix tape of songs made for cruising New England—some fast, some slow, a few are new, but the rest you know. By Justin Shatwell

120 /// Learning Potential

A dozen ideas for education vacations that let you bring home some savvy instead of just souvenirs.

22 /// True North

New England photographer Cait Bourgault didn’t need to travel the world to find her muse—it was right there in her own backyard.

34 /// Shack Mix

Whether famed for lobster, clams, or anything in between, these seafood shacks are on-the-water scenic and off-thecharts tasty. Bonus: Get Yankee ’s recipes for three casual seafood classics to make at home. By Amy Traverso

46 /// It’s a Mod, Mod World

How midcentury modern pioneers paved the way for the coolest architecture crawl in New England. By Madeline Bilis

By Courtney Hollands

the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, Maine, kayakers head out onto Millinocket Lake, with Mount Katahdin rising in the distance. Photographed by Cait Bourgault. (To see more of

Embrace Your Vermont Self

We recently introduced the many enhancements coming to Stowe’s Topnotch Resort, including the first-ever opportunity to own one of 27 fully furnished private residences in the heart of the Resort. With the introduction of private residences comes a modernization and refresh across the Resort — from reception and guest rooms, to a new signature restaurant and revitalized spa — all thoughtfully designed and seamlessly integrated into the long history of Topnotch hospitality.

We recently introduced the many enhancements coming to Stowe’s Topnotch Resort, including the first-ever opportunity to own one of 27 fully furnished private residences in the heart of the Resort. With the introduction of private Residences comes a modernization and refresh across the Resort from reception to guestrooms, with a new signature restaurant and revitalized spa - all thoughtfully designed and seamlessly integrated into the long history of Topnotch hospitality.

ADVERTISEMENT untamed, and unforgettable

On Maine’s Bold Coast Trail, nature’s wild beauty leads the way.

It was a small lighthouse that eventually guided me back: ju ing out into Cutler Harbor, a stubby green-and-white tower that served as a reminder it was time to turn for home. For hours I’d been moseying through a patchwork of woods and meadows, edging close to dazzling rock-walled cli s, and losing myself in the endless expanse of a so blue Atlantic. It had been a good long while since I’d even seen another hiker, and, except for the occasional fishing boat in the far distance, I seemed to have the entire Gulf of Maine to myself.

Washington County—the easternmost county in the U.S.—can fool you like that. Up and up you go, way past Portland, past Bar Harbor, through undiscovered li le towns with million-dollar views, before landing just south of the Canadian border. Here, amid all the woods and water, the crowds seem far away.

But it’s the area’s BOLD COAST TRAIL, a pristine and at times solitary trek along rugged ocean cli s and through forests of spruce and fir, that o ers a walk you may never forget. The trail is some three decades old, and when you find it, you feel as though it’s your own secret. A er decades of private ownership and logging, this 2,200-acre swath of coastal land came under state control in 1989. Five years later, a small band of builders cleared forest paths, laid out stone steps

that gave access to lookout points, and built campsites above the rocky beach. When they were ready, National Guard helicoptered cedar planks for walkways through the bogs.

Today, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land encompasses over 12,000 acres, and its trail network is laid out like a figure eight: The full loop covers almost 10 miles, while the shorter version is about half that. If you’ve got the stamina, the longer one is a worthy goal. For roughly three and a half miles you follow the coast—soaring above the water in places, finding your footing along the bony beachscape in others. Stopping points abound, from the clusters of pink sea roses, lupines, and other wildflowers do ing the land, to the pathways that lead visitors to the edge of the earth. Below, waves crash onto the shore; to the right and the le , slabs of giant rock rise hundreds of feet.

A visit here is a commitment—not just of time, but of mindset. The Bold Coast’s beauty lies in its lack of polish. It’s raw and untamed. Nature, as it’s found here, hasn’t been reduced to some pre y painting for visitors to come and gaze at. Instead, it encourages interaction: to work up a sweat, to get a li le muddy, to dangle your feet atop a blu . It’s a bold idea, indeed, but if you can slow down enough to do it, you just might discover that there are still some places where you truly can get away. —Ian Aldrich

Off the Beaten Path

4 more Maine hiking destinations that offer memorable escapes.

DEBOULLIE PUBLIC LAND

Heed the call of the backcountry in northernmost Maine, where a 30-mile trail network winds past crystalline ponds and low-slung mountains amid nearly 22,000 forested acres. Remote campsites are scattered throughout, allowing for multiday exploring.

NAHMAKANTA PUBLIC LAND

Spanning 43,000 acres in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness—one of the last great tracts of uninterrupted forest in the Northeast—this backpackers’ paradise includes a stretch of the fabled Appalachian Trail and one of New England’s highest waterfalls.

MONHEGAN ISLAND

Located 10 miles out to sea, Monhegan is beloved by artists for its tranquility and quality of light, but it’s no manicured retreat. More than half of the island is made up of wildlands, where steep and rocky trails lead to stunning clifftop vistas.

BALD MOUNTAIN

Head to the rural town of Weld for a short but demanding one-mile ascent that punches well above its weight. Bald’s namesake trail climbs through a dense forest of fir and hardwoods before a final scramble across granite slabs reveals a bare summit with 360-degree views deep into western Maine.

Publisher Brook Holmberg

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A picturesque campus of more than 100 acres adjoining conservation land and scenic Lake Cochichewick. An empowering environment where you’re always in charge of your own life. A sense of community and shared curiosity. And an enriching, diverse culture marked by mutual respect and admiration. This is just the start of what you’ll find at Edgewood.

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Welcome

It was while filming for the current season of Weekends with Yankee last October when I first met the town of Norway, Maine. We were on a tight schedule, but I had enough time to clock the presence of a homey bakery-café (Café Nomad), an inspired knitting and wine shop (Fiber & Vine), and a storefront filled with smartly curated Maine-themed gifts and decor (The Woods Maine). Heading out of town, I saw pristine lakes and easy-to-hike mountains with sweeping views. I’ve spent nearly two decades working at Yankee, 10 years making the show, and most of my life in New England. How had I not known this place before?

New England may be geographically compact, but its ability to surprise and delight never fails. This sense of discovery is my favorite cure for boredom, for burnout, and even for a sagging spirit. In this way, travel is more than a vacation or a frivolity: It’s sustenance for the soul.

This issue, our annual travel guide to New England, provides you with a virtual ramble through our beloved region and a map to its treasures, old and new. For

CONTRIBUTORS

For the playful artwork in our “Best of New England” package [p. 55], we called on this Dallasbased designer, a specialist in illustrative lettering whose clients include major media outlets and corporations. Having once lived in the Northeast for a decade, Rogers shares, “I find myself often craving a Maine lobster roll— not a lot of comparable options down here in Texas!”

A freelance writer whose work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler and Architectural Digest, among others, Bilis makes her home in Newton Corner, Massachusetts, where she’s filled her apartment with midcentury furniture and art. So, naturally, while writing “It’s a Mod, Mod World” [p. 46], Bilis made time to shop for herself at one of her recommended midcentury stops, Refill Vintage in Connecticut.

example, there’s the recently debuted Camp DeForest in Lincolnville, Maine, where you can live out your summer camp dreams—lawn games, campfires, and all—in a stylishly renovated motor lodge. Boston’s new Elephantine is a café where every detail brings to life the fantasy of being in Paris. And in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, the greenhouses and gardens at The Farmer’s Daughter invite even non-gardeners to daydream amid a stunning and diverse array of plants. You’ll find these gems (and so many more) in “Best of New England,” beginning on p. 55.

In addition, I share my list of the best waterfront seafood shacks in New England [p. 34]. And did you know that the perennially chic design style known as midcentury modern has roots in this region? We’ve got that story, too, complete with a list of places that channel retro cool [p. 46]. Have we inspired you yet? Keep turning the pages....

Amy Traverso, senior food editor and Weekends with Yankee host

Although he prefers biking (“descents are faster and easier on the knees”), this Mainebased journalist enjoys tagging along on hikes with friends who work for the Appalachian Mountain Club—which made him an ideal pick to write about lesser-known and destination trails for the avid hiker [p. 16]. Smith’s writing has also appeared in The New York Times and Outside.

Diving deep into her archives to select images for “True North” [p. 22], Bourgault found herself reflecting on her journey as a professional photographer. “I never imagined that I would be able to experience everything seen in this photo essay,” says the Norway, Maine, resident. “It has truly shaped my life, reminding me to slow down, to look around, and really notice all the in-between moments.”

FROM TOP: Bursting with color, Connecticut’s White Flower Farm has long been an essential stop for nursery and garden center fans; among the highlights of New England’s summer coastal calendar is Sail Boston, welcoming 50 tall ships from 30 nations in celebration of America’s 250th.

FOOD

 10 Favorite Strawberry Recipes

From pies to preserves, ice cream to shortcake, we share fresh ideas on how to make the most of summer’s sweetest crop. newengland.com/strawberrypicks

LIVING

 Best Nurseries & Garden Centers

With the growing season officially under way in New England’s yards and gardens, stock up on inspiration and new plants at these stellar suppliers. newengland.com/best-nurseries

TRAVEL

25 Don’t-Miss Coastal Events

Looking to play by the ocean this summer? Anchor your vacation planning with our definitive list of New England seaside celebrations. newengland.com/best-summercoastal-events

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT

New England Today

Want the best of New England delivered daily to your inbox? Subscribe to our e-newsletter for travel ideas, regional recipes, and much more. newengland.com/newsletter

Letters to the Editor

Join the conversation! Connect with us online to read and submit letters to the editor. newengland.com/dearyankee

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Experience the B est of

NEW ENG L AND

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of New England. From quaint island villages to the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, summer in New England is a truly delightful experience. Discover the region’s rich maritime heritage, savor a traditional Lobsterbake, and marvel at grand mansions of the Gilded Age. Return to the comfort of your onboard sanctuary and bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.

Pop Stars

You may know Moxie, but don’t miss a chance to sip these other

New

England–crafted sodas, too.

BY COURTNEY HOLLANDS | P HOTO BY ADAM DETOUR

1 VERMONT SWEETWATER

POULTNEY, VT Since 1993, Vermont Sweetwater co-owners Bob and Rich Münch have taste-tested every flavor around the kitchen table with friends and family, growing their line from one offering—maple seltzer—to 11. And while the company is a relatively new kid on the carbonated block, the brothers embrace tradition, producing their sodas on a restored 1940 Crown Cork and Seal Dixie bottler. vtsweetwater.com

Superlative sip: A full ounce of maple syrup goes into every 12-ounce bottle of maple soda, making for a caramelly, slightly woodsy quaff that’s nice over ice.

2 HARMONY SPRINGS

LUDLOW, MA The founders of this circa1908 soda company moved operations from Northampton to Ludlow in 1948 for a very specific reason: More than 400 feet below the Yale Street factory is a

spring-fed aquifer that supplies all the chilled water for Harmony Springs’ 20plus pop varieties, which range from the expected (cola, ginger ale, lemon-lime) to the surprising (peach, pineapple, grape). drinkharmonysprings.com

Superlative sip: Boasting herbal notes and anise on the nose, a Harmony Springs sarsaparilla is root beer’s more sophisticated cousin.

3 AVERY’S

NEW BRITAIN, CT When Patrick Moore was a kid, his dad used to pick up Avery’s birch beer on his commute home from work in New Britain. Moore grew up to launch Simsbury’s Hilltop Apiaries, and a collaboration with Avery’s on a honeysweetened flavor five years ago led to a full-circle moment: Last summer, he took over the 122-year-old soda producer from retiring owner Rob Metz. “It’s more than just a soda,” Moore says, “it’s nostalgia.” drinkaverys.com

Superlative sip: With a round, almost buttery flavor, Avery’s popular cream soda cries out for an ice cream float.

4 YACHT CLUB

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI Yacht Club is so Rhode Island. Not only has the same family run the company in North Providence for three generations, but each flavor shows pride of place with labels featuring Ocean State scenes painted by local artist Mike Bryce (Rose Island for blue raspberry, for example, or Warwick Neck for orange). But you don’t have to be local to enjoy Yacht Club: Expats can score 12-packs online. yachtclubsoda.com

Superlative sip: Reminiscent of Cherry Coke, the subtly sweet Rhody Red decked out with a Misquamicut State Beach label—goes down smooth.

5

CAPT’N ELI’S

PORTLAND, ME In the mid-1990s, Fred Forsley pulled the first pints of root beer made from his dad Eli’s recipe at his restaurant, Federal Jack’s in Kennebunk (Fred also started Shipyard Brewing Company). It soon hit the drinks menu at other Maine bars and restaurants, and today Capt’n Eli’s seven flavors—including that classic root beer—can also be found at grocery stores around New England and beyond. captnelisoda.com

Superlative sip: A fizzy tribute to Vacationland’s state fruit, the Blueberry Pop gives off Table Talk pie vibes.

Peak Perfection

These tough-love 4,000-footers invite outdoorsy travelers to level up and enjoy the view.

BY PETER ANDREY SMITH

New England’s mountains have long attracted adventurers, none more so than the collection of 4,000-footers that span the northern half of the region. But what began in 1931 as a way to introduce climbers to more peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region (over two-thirds of the region’s 4K club reside in the Granite State) eventually became the stuff of peak bragging. For the rest of us, these mountains deliver challenging but achievable terrain with unmatched views that you have to experience to appreciate. Here are six favorite 4,000-footers worth lacing up your boots for.

MOUNT ADAMS, NH: The region’s second-highest peak offers a rocky, exposed ascent with stunning, vertiginous views. It’s where you’ll want to be to appreciate the region’s highest peak: Mount Washington, a tremendous tree-covered mass of crumpled rocks. Especially when you luck into a day with a nice inversion or crepuscular rays streaming down from the heavens. The authoritative Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) guidebook describes the King Ravine Trail as “one of the most spectacular.” Be warned, though: It’s steep.

MOUNT LAFAYETTE, NH: Part of the Franconia Ridge Loop and one of the most popular hikes in the Whites, this mountain’s

With 7 unique Bar Harbor properties, find the perfect fit for your next Maine adventure.

topographical prominence also makes it one of New England’s Fifty Finest. Below the summit, the AMC maintains Greenleaf Hut, a rustic cedar-shingled building that hosts up to 48 guests. The alpine meadow atop Lafayette resembles a windswept island off the coast of Scandinavia— only way, way up in the sky. With a breeze coming up from the valley, the place lifts the spirits, quiets the mind, and really does rise above the rest.

MOUNT MOOSILAUKE, NH: This popular peak practically borders Vermont, and offers another reminder that New Hampshire has the highest

density of 4,000-foot peaks in New England (48 of New England’s 67, to be exact). On the trail up Moosilauke and at its summit, you’ll be able to appreciate the full scope: Vermont ridgelines, several smaller summits—Carr, Kineo, Sandwich Dome—and, farther east, all three of the major roller-coaster ranges in New Hampshire: Kinsman, followed by Franconia and the famously jagged Presidentials.

MOUNT KATAHDIN, ME: Built by faulting and folding sediment, this peak remains an icon. It’s one of the most obvious hikes in Maine and

Summiting Maine’s Mount Katahdin is challenging enough, but few experienced hikers can resist the heart-pounding summit option known as the Knife Edge Trail.

easily the most popular destination inside the 200,000-acre Baxter State Park—for good reason. The peak indisputably stands out for its beast of a climb and for its unparalleled views of the North Woods. You need a pass, and they sell out weeks in advance, so be sure to reserve a slot early. If you’d prefer not to share the busy summit (which doubles as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail), you can side-quest to Hamlin Peak through an other worldly tableland of alpine tundra.

MOUNT REDINGTON, ME: Some people bag peaks to check a box off their lists. To complete the New England Hundred Highest, you have to do some bushwhacking because this 4,010-footer in Maine’s Carrabassett Valley lacks an official marked trail. It’s a lesser beaten path, thus fulfilling the original intent of the list makers, and also a testament to what hiking much of New England is all about: long bouts of forest. You’re enclosed by a dense tunnel much of the way up, so it’s the getting there—and, most likely, the getting there all alone—that counts.

MOUNT MANSFIELD, VT:

The highest of the state’s four 4,000-footers, Mansfield is a destination in Stowe, with many routes to choose from, including an auto toll road winding up to the summit. Unlike higher peaks in Maine and in New Hampshire’s Whites, you won’t gaze out over seemingly unending wilderness; the views from Mansfield are pure Vermont: undulating dirt roads, farmhouses and cleared fields, not to mention countless hills and towns. Aim your camera in any direction, and you’ll be sure to bag a winner.

Beyond 17 miles of sun-bathed beach and relaxing places to stay, New Smyrna Beach invites you to explore its wild side. The Marine Discovery Center guides visitors by kayak or boat through one of North America’s most biodiverse ecosystems, home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals—including the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Looking for adventure? Relax. You’ve found it.

Play of the Land

A mix tape of songs made for cruising New England—some fast, some slow, a few are new, but the rest you know.

BY JUSTIN SHATWEL L | I LLUSTRATION BY JEFF ROGERS

“I-89”

Anyone who frequents the long road from Concord, New Hampshire, to Burlington, Vermont, may well sympathize with the refrain, “If there was another way out, I’d take it.” Folk supergroup I’m With Her penned the song after exiting the highway to brave a Vermont byroad … and getting themselves stuck.

“MASS PIKE”

Another song about an iconic New England interstate, this one by The Get Up Kids, describing a regret-filled drive on I-90. (In this case, romance is to blame, not the road.)

“I FEEL LOVE”

Time to bounce back with this

dance-floor classic by Boston’s disco queen, Donna Summer. She never said who or what inspired this ecstatic outpouring of emotion, but we’d like to believe it was foliage season.

“DRIVE-IN MOVIES”

New Hampshire native Ray LaMontagne has lived all across New England. It’s not clear which town he’s referencing in his nostalgic song about youthful summers watching movies from his car, so just assume it’s about the drive-in closest to you and enjoy the evening.

“CONNECTICUT”

Judy Garland and Bing Crosby sing a serenade to the “land of dreams and moonlit streams.” Connecticut

has never received a more loving testimonial. “It’s spick and spanner / than old Montana”—yes indeed!

“(I’M FROM) WESTERN MASS”

In another ode to an overlooked homeland, local legend Dr. Westchesterson describes his love of everything west of Worcester. It features easily the most bars ever rapped about the Big E.

“I’M SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON”

No one has captured the defiant, rough-around-the-edges nature of Boston better than the Dropkick Murphys. This song sounds like a bar fight, but in a good way.

“ROCK & ROLL BAND”

This Boston classic about scraping by and playing gigs around New England captures the essence of being a struggling musician. Also, the lyric “Dancin’ in the streets of Hyannis” is a solid suggestion for a good night out.

“SWEET CAROLINE”

The anthem of Red Sox Nation, Neil Diamond ’s classic is required to appear on this list by Massachusetts state law.

“RHODE ISLAND IS FAMOUS FOR YOU”

We end with a love song written about a girl from the Ocean State. Erin McKeown ’s modern recording of this Broadway hit tells us that while bigger states might be known for their lobsters, peaches, and wheat, “You come from Rhode Island / Don’t let them ride Rhode Island / It’s famous for you!”

What songs would you want to cue up for a New England road trip? Share your top tunes at newengland.com/2026playlist.

True

North

New England photographer Cait Bourgault didn’t need to travel the world to find her muse— it was right there in her own backyard.

IN THE FALL OF 2009, CAIT BOURGAULT WAS just a few weeks into her freshman year at the University of Southern Maine in Portland when a teacher pulled her aside one day after class. With him was a collection of images she had made for his Intro to Photography course, and he was floored by how good they were.

“He asked me point-blank: ‘Why aren’t you pursuing photography?’” she remembers. “It stopped me dead in my tracks. I didn’t have an answer. But he was like, ‘You have it—this should be what you do with your life.’”

In a way, it had been. Bourgault grew up near Bangor, guided by a mother who passed down her own love for taking pictures. Home life, pets, friends—Bourgault frequently had a camera in hand to document anything and everything around her. “For me, a kid who was pretty shy, it was a way to connect with people and learn about the world,” she says.

Though Bourgault had developed a quiet confidence in her skills, that conversation with her teacher transformed what she believed was possible for herself. Not long after, she left the university and enrolled at Portland’s renowned Salt Institute for Documentary Studies. Soon, she was a working photographer, shooting weddings and making images of the grand landscapes that have come to define her work.

At her core, Bourgault is a New England adventurer. An avid hiker and backcountry skier, she lives with her young daughter, Fiona, on a 100-acre property in the middle of Maine’s White Mountains region. Nearly two decades into her career, Bourgault has both remained close to home and made it the focus of her photography.

“I know I’m biased, but I don’t think there’s any other place like it,” says Bourgault, whose images have not only appeared in publications such as this one, but also led to collaborations with L.L. Bean and the Appalachian Mountain Club, among others. “You can be on the most beautiful rocky coastline, and then within a couple of hours be on top of some mountain with the most breathtaking views. A lot of the work I’ve done is showing just how proud I am of where I come from.” —Ian Aldrich

PREVIOUS SPREAD: Near the top of the list of Bourgault’s favorite photography locations is the Appalachian Mountain Club’s GORMAN CHAIRBACK LODGE AND CABINS in Greenville, Maine. “It’s total wilderness,” she says. “There’s no cell service, so it’s easy to disconnect.” She captured this photo on Long Pond early one morning, after a predawn moose safari had come up empty. “You set out for one thing, and nature gives you something else,” she says.

OPPOSITE: Bourgault doesn’t work much at night, but while on location for a shoot in New Hampshire’s GREAT NORTH WOODS, she found it impossible to pass up the scene enveloping the tent where she was staying—even though she wasn’t entirely prepared. “I didn’t have a tripod, so I set up my camera on a stump, held my breath, and hoped for the best.”

IN HER ELEMENT

Weekends with Yankee host Amy Traverso heads to Norway, Maine, to meet up with photographer Cait Bourgault for the TV show’s 10th anniversary season, now airing on public television stations nationwide. To find out how to watch, scan the QR code or go to weekendswithyankee.com.

opposite: Much of a landscape photographer’s work is in the pursuit of fleeting early-morning and late-day moments when the light is just right. While at times it can feel like an impossible task, occasionally the scenes appear as if by magic. That’s the way it was for Bourgault when she was walking through the woods a mere half hour after making the LONG POND image on pp. 22–23. “The fog and light mixed with cabin woodsmoke, illuminating the forest in such a magical way,” she says. “It was a reminder of how lucky I am to call Maine my home.”

this page: Tagging along with Bourgault on many assignments is a trusty assistant: her young daughter, Fiona. After shooting this cycling scene at northern Vermont’s mountainbiking mecca, KINGDOM TRAILS, Bourgault hopped on a bike herself, with Fiona along for the ride. “Photography brings us to quiet places where I can slow down, be present, and see the world as she does. I feel like a kid again, which has helped me find new ways to document the world.”

next spread: It can be challenging for even a native New Englander to find new ways to photograph fall foliage, but Bourgault discovered something special in 2020 when she climbed a fire tower in BURKE, VERMONT. “There was all that color, obviously, but then the clouds rolled in, and that undercast settled above the trees,” she says. “Together, it gave me something unexpected.”

above: While working through her shot list at the NEW ENGLAND OUTDOOR CENTER in Millinocket, Maine, Bourgault drifted in her kayak as she searched for an image that illustrated summer’s essence. “The dock was empty except for a few kids who’d wandered over to watch me,” she recalls. “Off-script, I asked if they wanted to jump for a photo. What could be more summer than that? It reminded me that sometimes the best shots aren’t actually on the list.”

left: An advocate for rescue dogs and the adopter of several animals herself, Bourgault never passes up an opportunity to include a pup in her work. She snapped this memorable photo of her friend’s dog, Rowdie, while paddling with a group on the PEMIGEWASSET RIVER in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. “I just happened to have my camera ready when he turned back to me,” says Bourgault. “His calm, curious expression captured what all of us felt as we floated down the river on that idyllic summer day.”

Bourgault’s never-ending search for perfect light has frequently brought her to WEST QUODDY, MAINE , the easternmost spot in the continental United States and a fabled place to see the sun rise. It checks all her boxes: remote, on the water, and, maybe most important, a reminder of what she loves about New England. “The quietness of that region is so special,” she says. “A surprising amount of my work is on the computer, so getting away is important. That’s what I love about living here—you can find those still moments.”

A Vacation That’s So You

Personalization is par for the course at this waterfront Cape Cod resort.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club certainly makes a visual impression, with its manicured lawns and inviting Adirondack chairs; its red-roofed 1912 Nickerson Mansion, at the hub of more activities than you can squeeze into one stay; its private beach on Cape Cod Bay, where the receding tide carves squiggly lines and shallow rivulets that mesmerize as they catch the light …

But the true essence of Ocean Edge emanates from the people who make this their getaway home for a spell. Carefree couples. Happy kids. Golfers, grinning as they clink cold glasses of locally crafted Bayzo’s Brew. Retreatgoers, pensive and content, on an inward journey buoyed by this place that is so outwardly beautiful, social, and hospitable. They’re all as alive as can be, doing just

what their souls need. They’ve brought their passions and traditions here, and the people who matter most. And they’ve discovered an environment where every spark of an idea is nurtured—where vacations are personalized.

With five swimming pools and seven dining options on property, including the waterview Ocean Terrace and the fun-casual Front Lawn, already you can imagine myriad permutations of a perfect day. Now, add to the mix the Cape’s only Nicklaus Design golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, and kayak rentals on Blueberry Pond. Of course, there’s a soothing spa. Bike trails are easily accessible; yoga classes on the beach and front lawn, complimentary. And the resort’s central location means all of Cape Cod’s year-round pleasures are a short drive away.

But here’s where things get personal: The Ocean Edge team rises to requests as naturally as a wave crests. Need deep relaxation? They’re there to set you adrift on a floating sound bath, ensuring your comfort as you tune out everything except the reverberating hum of Tibetan singing bowls. Inspired by the patterns low tide reveals along the famed Brewster Flats? Staff can arrange a plein air painting lesson for you. C urious

about oyster cultivation? Wade into local beds on a fascinating tour. Is time with your partner a priority? The resort’s new adults-only inn, The Charm on Main, is a stylish hideaway with its own story and its own pool.

At Ocean Edge, creative minds are always cooking up something extraordinary, from Wizarding Week to Oktoberfest. Their eagerness to say “yes” makes weddings and family reunions here unforgettable, especially when the send-off’s a private beach bonfire.

The warmth, the glow, the ocean’s roll: Moments like these never leave you. And Ocean Edge will always be right here, in its prime spot by the shore, with new experiences that feel made just for you.

JOIN YANKEE AT OCEAN EDGE FOR WRITE PLACE, WRITE TIME! Spend the weekend of May 15–17 focusing on the wellness benefits of letter writing, with inspiration from Yankee’s travel editor Kim Knox Beckius and shared experiences including a floating sound bath. Visit oceanedge.com/wellness-retreats for package details.

Shack Mix

Whether famed for lobster, clams, or anything in between, these New England seafood shacks are on-the-water scenic and off-the-charts tasty.

BY AMY TRAVERSO

opposite

RECIPE BONUS!

The docks behind Larsen’s Fish Market on Martha’s Vineyard are fragrant with a shifting mélange of bait, boat fuel, salt air, steaming lobsters, and simmering chowder. Set in the tiny fishing village of Menemsha, Larsen’s is a magnet for seafood lovers who are willing to brave the scrum of the parking lot for food that feels authentic and close to the source (not to mention that the sunsets here are extraordinary). The boats out back make up Menemsha’s 16-boat commercial groundfishing fleet; inside, you’ll find local tuna, sole, oysters, and scallops on the menu.

Family owned and operated since 1969, Larsen’s is by all measures a great seafood shack, especially since it received a modern, airy makeover in 2022 that made operations more efficient and the line

more tolerable. But it’s not the only great seafood shack in New England, whose coast is dotted from north to south with worthy establishments—the very best of which we’ve rounded up below.

But first, a note on the taxonomy of these kinds of New England eateries. Lobster shacks tend to be in Maine and tend to put more emphasis on crustaceans. Clam shacks typically inhabit the more southerly coasts. Seafood shacks are the grab-bag category, which we’ll use here. In compiling our list, we focused on more casual spots—the kinds of shacks where lobster rolls come in paper boats— and, naturally, they had to be on the water.

CONNECTICUT

HARING’S You can dock and dine at this waterfront gem, named one of the country’s 50 best restaurants by The New York Times last year and led by James Beard Award finalist Reneé Touponce as chef-partner. The concept is “New England seafood shack reimagined,” so the food is casual with some inspired cheffy touches. Grab a seat on the deck and order up some bluefish pâté, fried clams, or a lobster grilled cheese. Fancier items, like crudos and the lobster “biscuits and gravy” (lobster bisque, meat, and an Old Bay biscuit), are well worth the splurge. Noank; haringsnoank.com

ROWAYTON SEAFOOD Perched on Long Island Sound, Rowayton Seafood is really a small compound, with a sit-down restaurant, market, bait/gift shop, and dine-aboard oyster boat. For the most shack-like experience, order from the market, which has graband-go lobster rolls and salads, as well as a menu of classics like fish and chips, clam chowder, and blueberry pie that you order online and pick up. Take your food outside, sit by the water, and sigh with happiness. Norwalk; rowaytonseafood.com

MAINE

BEAL’S LOBSTER PIER Set above a working lobster wharf with lovely views of Southwest Harbor, Beal’s serves all the classics (fried seafood baskets, burgers, steamed lobsters served with slaw, cornbread, and mussels). But what sets this place apart is its playful approach to Maine’s favorite crustacean: fried lobster bites with ginger-soy dipping sauce, lobster mac and cheese, and a fun menu of lobster roll variations, including hot-and-buttered, garlic-buttered, and with spicy “firecracker” sauce. Southwest Harbor; bealslobster.com

FIVE ISLANDS LOBSTER CO. There’s no prettier vista than the one from this cluster of shacks on Sheepscot Bay. Lobster comes directly to the docks, gets cooked and picked, and is served up fresh (never stored in tanks). All the seating is alfresco, so dress accordingly. Head to the main “Lobster” building for steamed lobster dinners, corn on the cob, and the like. The “Love Nest,” meanwhile, has fried seafood and grilled goods. And for dessert, there’s even an ice cream stand. Georgetown; fiveislandslobster.com

THE LOBSTER SHACK AT TWO LIGHTS It’s hard to believe that a place so close to downtown Portland can offer such dramatic scenery: red picnic tables on a granite ledge, waves crashing all around, and an actual lighthouse. Even better, the food is great. We love that they don’t pre-mix mayo into the meat for their

cold lobster roll, but instead place only a dollop on top. The clam chowder and whoopie pies are great, too. Cape Elizabeth; lobstershacktwolights.com

MCLOONS LOBSTER SHACK In 2017 Yankee named McLoons’s lobster roll the best in Maine, noting, “Here’s the genius part: Not only can you get a half-and-half roll (one side butter, one side mayonnaise, sliced crosswise), but also they put the mayo in the bottom of the bun … the lobster tastes like lobster, the bun tastes like butter, and the sauces enrich the lean meat.” They haven’t let us down since then—and the view off the southern edge of Spruce Head Island is as fantastic as ever. Note: Don’t miss out on the peach and blueberry pies, the bread pudding, or the lobster bisque. South Thomaston; mcloonslobster.com

MASSACHUSETTS

LARSEN’S FISH MARKET This combined market/ restaurant has a compact menu, but its lobster dinners, lobster bisque, and stuffed scallops are worth the splurge. Start with the raw bar or the smoked bluefish spread for a perfect meal along with some BYOB wine or beer. Larsen’s draws a crowd and doesn’t do indoor dining, so plan your visit to avoid peak hours; if coming for a sunset meal, arrive early to claim your spot. Menemsha; larsensfishmarket.com

MAC’S ON THE PIER Get your feet right in the sand at this alfresco beachfront eatery operated by the

Mac’s restaurant group, an operation celebrated for its immaculate seafood. Mac’s on the Pier is an order-at-thewindow spot, complete with soft-serve, and we love the fried oyster po’ boy made with Wellfleet’s famous bivalves, as well as the grilled yellowfin sandwich, Portuguese kale soup, and poke bowls. Wellfleet; macsseafood.com

SESUIT HARBOR CAFÉ Weave your way through the maze of boat racks at Northside Marina to find this delightful shack, where the fried clams are excellent and the sunsets are worth a special trip. Grab a shaded picnic table (outdoors only) and watch the boats glide in and out of the harbor while you tuck into the hefty lobster rolls or a terrific fish sandwich. Bonus: They serve breakfast, too. Dennis; sesuit-harbor-cafe.com

THE WHALE’S TAIL The more casual little sister to the popular Black Whale restaurant, this red harbor-front clam shack charms with its retro aesthetics (all party lights and cabana stripes), crisp fried calamari, cold and hot lobster rolls, fried scallops, and clam cakes. Cocktails are worth a look: The spritz made with Contratto Aperitivo is a more sophisticated alternative to the ubiquitous Aperol spritz. Be sure to save a little room for a cone at Acushnet Creamery next door. New Bedford; whalestailnb.com

WOOD’S SEAFOOD

This downtown spot with views of Plymouth Harbor serves some of our favorite fried clams in New England. Very plump, sweet, and just briny

enough, they have the perfect ratio of coating to meat. Also terrific: the clambake dinners, the chowder, and the onion rings. Wood’s is one of the lesser-known gems on the coast, so be sure to give it a try before word gets out. Plymouth; woodsseafood.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE

RYE HARBOR LOBSTER POUND This diminutive harborside shed serves a great lobster roll, particularly the hot-and-buttered one with a hint of sherry, but don’t overlook the signature “fluffy” clam chowder topped with hot buttered lobster: It’s a combo you’ve likely never had before but it’ll leave you wondering why no one else thought of it. Although there are a few tables out front, the best play is to cross the parking lot to the waterfront picnic tables lined up on the seawall. Rye; Facebook

RHODE ISLAND

CHEVY’S SHACK AT GARDNER’S WHARF

SEAFOOD Cerulean-blue picnic tables surrounded by beach roses on a harbor dotted with sailboats—can a seafood shack get more scenic? Lobster and fishing boats pull right up to the back of this family-owned spot, so you’re getting seafood straight from the source. You can’t go wrong with the clam chowder, the cod sandwich, or the fish and chips, but locals also praise the bay scallops (in season) and the buttered lobster roll. Wickford; gardnerswharfseafood.com

EVELYN’S DRIVE-IN A popular dock-and-dine destination for boaters and land-loving seafood fans since 1969, Evelyn’s sits right on the calm waters of Nanaquaket Pond, with a small, air-conditioned dining room as well as shaded outdoor seating. While we can never resist the classic combination of clear Rhode Island clam chowder and puffy clam cakes, the calamari with hot pepper rings and garlic butter is tops. Fans of the Fall River–style chow mein sandwich, take note: Not only does Evelyn’s have the sandwich, it also makes a lobster variation. Tiverton; evelynsdrivein.com

NEWPORT LOBSTER SHACK Operated by the Newport Fishermen’s Co-op, this shack serves up freshly prepared fish and shellfish direct from the local fleet, right on the water, right in downtown Newport. In fact, the co-op sells only its own catch. This being Rhode Island, don’t miss out on the calamari— but the lobster rolls and the bisque are also great. Seating is outdoors, and half of it is shaded. Newport; newportlobstershack.com

(Continued on p. 127 with recipe bonus)

Pirovano, artist 781-858-3691

Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod forrestcapecodpaintings.com/pets.htm

Art / Garden Elements

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As a talented writer, Nauset Lightkeeper’s House owner Mary Daubenspeck conscientiously maintained a regular real-time journal, which together with her frequent contributions to the Keeper’s House Logbook, comprise a captivating, vital, and personal rst-hand history and record of the iconic 1990s Nauset Light Station preservation activities not previously documented from the perspective of an intimately involved participant.

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New England Backyards

New England’s famed four-season climate means that with every turn of the calendar page, there’s always something new to see and experience. And that begins right in the backyard: From the so ness of spring grass to the aroma of summer owers to the dazzling display of fall foliage, nature creates a home’s most dynamic living space.

It also creates a challenge for homeowners looking to design a backyard for year-round enjoyment. Whether it’s hot or cold, raining or snowing, outdoor furniture and structures need to stand up to the weather and look good doing it. Factor in how they should complement the home itself and the unique lifestyle of the family who lives there, and it sounds like a tall order.

That’s where Kloter Farms comes in. Founded in 1980, this familyowned Connecticut furniture and outdoor structure store is more than a place to shop: It’s a trusted destination, with local experience and long-term relationships at its heart. Here, multiple generations of team members have served multiple generations of customers, building a continuity of service that brings deep knowledge, consistency, and understanding of what New England homeowners value.

Then there’s the Ellington store itself, with a 16-acre display park and multiple showrooms (and even a Kloter’s Ice Cream Barn for the kids).

Want to compare a pergola with a pavilion? Or walk through a pool house or greenhouse, or dream up ways to use a screen room or threeseason room? Kloter has more than 500 products on display—including patio furniture for every taste—inviting visitors to take a hands-on approach to making their dream backyard a reality.

Product choice isn’t everything, though. For outdoor additions that don’t look like an a erthought, Kloter knows that customization is king. Window and door upgrades, trim details, siding choices, roof styles, layout options—all of these can be speci ed to t individual homeowners’ tastes and needs. And from the initial design and sales consultation through delivery and service, Kloter’s team works collaboratively to guide you every step of the way.

Oh, and about those famous New England seasons? Kloter builds its products to be low-maintenance and long-lasting in the face of changing weather (for example, using pressure-treated lumber throughout its structures, even the oors). It’s no surprise that Kloter’s sheds and pavilions come with a 10-year warranty. But no matter the product, Kloter stands behind its promise of quality—because even as the seasons change, Kloter’s commitment to satisfaction always stays the same.

It’s a Mod, Mod World

HOW MIDCENTURY MODERN PIONEERS PAVED THE WAY FOR THE COOLEST ARCHITECTURE CRAWL IN NEW ENGLAND. BY

MADELINE BILIS

Based in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, the Cape Cod Modern House Trust not only has restored a number of notable midcentury homes—like the 1960 Kohlberg House, shown here—but also offers tours and even overnight stays at its properties.

If you were asked to define New England architecture, you might point to saltbox Colonials, Cape Cod cottages, or maybe some sea captains’ mansions. But there’s another equally historic style with New England roots, and it’s much more sleek than clapboard and covered bridges.

Midcentury modern, or MCM, is a style that prioritizes clean lines, geometric forms, and, above all, form following function. (You’ve no doubt glimpsed it on the period drama Mad Men or even during its heyday on the 1960s sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.) It’s a practical and often budgetconscious style—a 20th-century revival of Yankee thrift, if you will. And yet its origins in New England tend to get lost in a sea of rustic public houses and white-steepled churches.

Ahead, find out where you can learn more about New England’s retroturned-cutting-edge-cool design, where to buy a piece of it yourself, and where to dine or rest your head in its open, unfussy embrace.

MCM 101

Midcentury modern design’s hallmark organic shapes and lines can be traced to European modernism, which arrived in the U.S. in the 1930s when design giants such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe fled the rise of Nazism. Gropius eventually became the chair of the

above: The Nevada, a ’50s-era hotel in York, Maine, reopened in 2024 after an extensive renovation that still preserved its throwback design appeal.

left: Launched in 2018 as a largely online venture, Boston MidCentury Modern now operates a showroom in Norwood, Massachusetts, where visitors can get up close with midcentury and Danish modern gems, such as this 1960s secretary desk.

below: Set in a former library in Manchester, Vermont, The Silver Fork based its decor in part on the midcentury modern vibe of a 1964 addition designed by Buckminster Fuller.

architecture department at the Harvard Graduate School of Design; it’s at Harvard and MIT where modernist principles proliferated, setting the foundation for what would become midcentury modern design.

MCM houses and furniture soon followed, beginning in Massachusetts and Connecticut. A firm called The Architects Collaborative, or TAC, led by Gropius, began planning communities like Six Moon Hill in Lexington, Massachusetts, where functional, cost-effective homes met modern design. Then there was the Harvard Five, another group of architects including Marcel Breuer and Philip Johnson, who both settled in New Canaan, Connecticut, in the 1940s. By building modest homes with flat roofs, open floor plans, and minimal ornament, their innovative ideals and concepts helped modernism go more mainstream.

WHERE TO LEARN

Cape Cod Modern House Trust

Wellfleet, MA

Beginning around 1940, groups of artists, academics, designers, and other

b ohemian types began building (or hiring their architect friends to build) experimental summer cottages on the Outer Cape that integrated modern design principles with the landscape. Today, you can tour five of those homes thanks to the Cape Cod Mod-

ern House Trust. Founded in 2007 by a rchitect Peter McMahon, it manages four homes on leased National Seashore land—the Kugel/Gips House, t he Hatch House, the Weidlinger House, and the Kohlberg House—and owns one outright, the Breuer House. ccmht.org

The Folly at Field Farm

Williamstown, MA

Many of the best examples of midcentury modern design bring the outdoors in via expansive floor-toceiling windows. At “The Folly,” a guest cottage at The Trustees’ Field Farm, the outdoors in question are rolling lawns, a serene little pond, and distant views of Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Range. The Folly itself was designed in 1965 by architect Ulrich Franzen; the pinwheel-shaped construction defies convention, with multiple slanting wings intersected by a central, silo-like column. Inside, those curves and angles are clad in cedar and redwood paneling, complemented by custom furniture like a

(Continued on p. 130)

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We know why the world loves New England. These six states have it all: wilderness, city lights, islands, mountains, art, history. But we never get tired of sharing why we love it, too, so come along as we shine our annual spotlight on this region’s best places to eat, stay, and play—and find fresh ideas for your next great escape to New England.

WESTPORT, CT

With its vaulted ceiling, free-flowing indoor-outdoor dining areas, and mostly Mediterranean menu, Dandelion is a welcome addition to Fairfield County’s rich dining scene. Feast on such innovative delicacies as Moroccan cigars (local goat, preserved lemon, labneh, and harissa), dandelion salad, wood-fired sea bream, and fig and almond cake. A tawny-colored guava-rita with a jaunty lime is the favorite drink. dandelion westport.com

discoveries, they don’t come any fresher than these. appetite for dining

Douro PORTLAND, ME

The Iberian Peninsula’s coastal flavors and convivial spirit inspire every aspect of this newcomer on Portland’s Eastern Promenade. Step through Mediterranean-blue doors and find a seat at a communal table, likely already loaded with platters of oysters and smoked mussels, copper cataplanas steaming with succulent seafood stew, and spicy plates of piri-piri chicken. It’s all about sharing. And pairing: Pours of wine, port, sherry, and madeira are offered in five sizes. douroportland.com

Luna Mare IPSWICH, MA p . 66

Brassica Kitchen + Café BOSTON p . 78

Evolution Bistro MANCHESTER, NH p . 93

Claudine PROVIDENCE, RI p . 113

Café Monette ST. ALBANS CITY, VT

Though just a short drive from the Quebec border, the friendly burg of St. Albans didn’t have much in the way of French cuisine until last summer. That’s when culinary instructor Adam Monette teamed up with former students Henry Long and Tyler Comeau to open Café Monette, quickly winning over locals with classic bistro dishes such as poulet à la moutarde and onion tarte tatin. Monette, who won the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, also crafts superlative pastries, breads, and fresh pastas. cafemonettevt.com

Check in and level up at the hottest properties on New England’s hospitality scene.

The Atlas Hotel BOSTON

It’s not every day that Boston’s Allston neighborhood gets a shining new tower—in the form of a hotel, to boot. Within its soaring 16 stories, The Atlas Hotel offers 246 eclectic guest rooms outfitted with mossy green textiles, leather seating, marble accents, and views in every direction. Contemporary art bedecks the lobby, which serves as a funky all-day lounge, while the team from Dorchester’s acclaimed Comfort Kitchen is behind the on-site restaurant, Ama at The Atlas, and the glitzy rooftop bar. theatlashotel.com

LINCOLNVILLE, ME

Hold onto your clipboard because summer camp is back, with all of the phone-free magic of scavenger hunts and bonfires, and all of the comforts that ’50s kids only dreamed of when they parked their trunks under bunks. You’ll be writing home about warm banana bread, seven hot dog options (including elk dogs), indoor climbs when the weather’s uncooperative, and nights at the tiki bar. “Cabins” are available year-round, but why kick the can until fall or winter? campdeforest.com

The Lake Estate on Winnisquam TILTON, NH

Though this posh 114-room property was built in 2025, its polished woods and dormered roofline reflect the timeless appeal of an Adirondack-style 19th-century resort. Lakes Region attractions are close at hand, but you won’t lack for on-site diversions. Book an apple-and-wildflower-scented body scrub, kayak on the rippling lake, or take a dip in the infinity pool. Celebrated chef Chris Viaud ensures that even small plates, like short rib arancini, are artfully composed using local ingredients. thelakeestatenh.com

MORE BEST NEW LODGING

Prospect Berkshires EGREMONT, MA p . 70

The Weston WESTON, VT p . 108

Gardiner House NEWPORT, RI p . 114

Delamar Mystic MYSTIC, CT p . 119

Refreshed favorites and buzzy newcomers alike are just the ticket for fun, learning, and inspiration.

Hopkins Center for the Arts HANOVER, NH

A dramatic expansion unveiled last October has completely remade the experience of Dartmouth College’s renowned performing arts center, affectionately dubbed the Hop. The new 15,000-square-foot Daryl and Steven Roth Wing features a stunning glass-walled recital hall, a blackbox theater, and a dance studio, while the popular hangout known as the Top of the Hop has been beautifully redesigned, and the venerable Spaulding Auditorium has received major acoustic and aesthetic upgrades hop.dartmouth.edu

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

BURLINGTON, VT

Beneath the surface of Lake Champlain, entire dramas unfold among the bevy of native species navigating shipwrecks and competing with invasives such as zebra mussels and alewives. In July 2025, Burlington’s ECHO center unveiled “Into the Lake,” an expanded 15,000-gallon freshwater habitat that brings visitors face-to-snout with sturgeon, longnose gar, muskellunge, and more. Elsewhere in the museum, another brand-new exhibit explores the history behind Champ, Lake Champlain’s legendary sea monster. echovermont.org

MORE BEST NEW ATTRACTIONS

The Zeiterion NEW BEDFORD, MA, p . 64

Soundscape Tours BOSTON, p . 76

Maine MILL LEWISTON, ME, p . 95

AAPI History Museum PROVIDENCE, RI, p . 112

Lost in New Haven

NEW

HAVEN, CT

One man’s trash is artist Robert Greenberg’s treasure. His collection of nearly 100,000 items—from clocks and locks to building signs and concert tickets—tells the rich history of his hometown. Housed in a 25,000-square-foot converted warehouse, Greenberg’s “cabinet of curiosities” includes a fascinating portrait of Yale University athletics told through such unexpected items as the pie tins that students tossed across the green in the 1920s in a precursor to the Frisbee craze. lostinnewhaven.org

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM SPOT

Boston Honey Company, Holliston

You can practically feel the buzzing at this family-owned bee farm and retail store, which houses honeybees by the millions in its on-site hives. That’s not all that Boston Honey Company manages to pack into its five or so acres, though. The rather chic “farm stand” brims with the company’s own hand-dipped beeswax candles, soaps and skin creams, and raw honey with flavors of native plants like basswood and clethra. Meanwhile, an observation hive built into the shop’s wall reminds visitors where all this bounty comes from. Further sweetening the deal? Ice cream from Crescent Ridge in Sharon is scooped here from spring through fall. bostonhoneycompany.com

ANTIQUES MALL

Harwich Antique Center, West Harwich

Whether you’re a seasoned antiquer or a relative newcomer, you’re guaranteed to discover a treasure at this beloved Route 28 destination. More than 20 dealers and countless consignors from across the Cape all contribute to the mind-boggling array of baseball cards, primitive furniture, cast-iron cookware, maritime oddities, and vintage jewelry, among other goodies. There’s no telling how much time you’ll spend here, but one thing’s for sure: You won’t leave emptyhanded. harwichantiquecenter.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Chowderfest, New Bedford

New England clam chowder is the undeniable star of this annual one-day fall festival,

which has been bringing crowds to Pier 3 in New Bedford for two decades and counting. Restaurants from across the South Coast compete to take “Best Chowdah” honors, voted on by visitors. The concoctions run the gamut from the traditional, with its cream and clams, to the bolder cioppino, a hearty Italian stew of spicy tomato broth and shellfish. Don’t forget to leave room for the festival’s signature Portuguese specialties, too. Check website for announcement of 2026 festival date ; onesouthcoast.com/chowderfest

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Lowell Folk Festival, Lowell

The last weekend of each July, the streets of Lowell fill with the musical mélange of one of the longest-running free folk festivals in the United States. Experience performances of Quebecois fiddling, gospel, polka, fado, bluegrass, and flamenco while also enjoying the lineup of colorful Caribbean parade dances

EDITORS’ PICKS: MASSACHUSETTS

that lend a rhythmic energy to downtown. Throughout the city’s parks, food stalls sell pierogies, jerk beef, gyros, samosas, and much more. Dedicated spaces for kids and plenty of parking make this a perfect outing for families. lowellfolkfestival.org

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

Bosse, Natick

The former Neiman Marcus space at the Natick Mall has been reimagined into a 100,000-square-foot lifestyle club aimed specifically at active adults. The gym and the golf simulator are great fun, but the real selling point is the collection of 21 pickleball courts, spread out across two floors. Catch up with friends over a game or watch someone land a perfect dink while you kick back with a snack from the on-site café, Italian restaurant, or sports bar. bosse.net

HOUSE MUSEUM

Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, Gloucester

Set overlooking Gloucester Harbor, Beauport

was the summer home of interior design pioneer Henry Davis Sleeper. Built between 1907 and 1934, the property showcases Sleeper’s penchant for reclaimed items and eclectic styling (think: a drawing room decorated with hand-painted Chinese wallpaper from the 1800s, which Sleeper discovered in a friend’s attic). More eyecatching touches abound, such as an octagonal dining room, an illuminated display of amber glassware, and a 1700s-inspired kitchen built using period timber sourced from Sleeper’s ancestral home. Be sure to stroll through the striking gardens, too. Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday from late May through mid-October. historicnewengland.org

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Platterpus Records, Easthampton

Owner David Witthaus considers himself more of a curator than a salesman. And once you’ve entered his Easthampton shop, you’ll understand why. Witthaus’s 40-plus years of musical knowledge are crammed into a wall-to-wall library of (strictly used) vinyl, CDs, and cassette tapes. In this one shop, you can purchase albums from genres

that span the entire musical spectrum. Live recordings of the New York Philharmonic? Got it. Rare B.B. King jam sessions? Down that aisle. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are Platterpus Records has it, which is why it’s one of the most reliably exciting shopping experiences in the Pioneer Valley.

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION

The Zeiterion, New Bedford

After a nearly two-year, $37 million renovation that not only preserved much of its original 1923 theater building but also added a new lounge and studio spaces, this beloved performing arts center made its applause-worthy reopening in early 2026. Set in the heart of downtown New Bedford, the Zeiterion hosts live concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, touring musicals, and Monday-night classic movies. Even better: A new slate of performing arts classes and teen programming is set to ensure that the Zeiterion will continue to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for zeiterion.org

ONE-OF-A-KIND PAMPERING

Kelo Spa & Steam, Newton

Less than 10 miles from downtown Boston, in the cozy commuter town of Newton, Kelo Spa & Steam bills itself as “your sanctuary in the city” as it pulls out all the pampering stops with an experience that blends the sauna traditions of Ukraine and Finland. Start with a platza treatment, where oak and birch leaves are gently tapped against your skin to encourage circulation, or baby your epidermis with a salt and honey glaze. Cap off your stint in this urban oasis with a glass of fresh-pressed juice (the Green Monstah is an obvious hit) in the comfortable lounge. kelospa.com

DINING

BREAKFAST SPOT

Miss Worcester Diner, Worcester

Look past the decades’ worth of stickers plastered throughout the interior, and you can still make out the original features of this 1948 Worcester Lunch Car Company diner. Expect to see proprietor Kim Kniskern slinging hash while one of the

servers refills mugs with steaming-hot coffee at lightning speed. Naturally, omelets and pancakes are menu mainstays, but don’t look past the Miss Worcester original known as the Crunchie: French toast dipped in Honey Bunches of Oats cereal and deepfried. Facebook

BURGER

Little Sister, Rockport

The goal of husband-and-wife duo Josh and Ariel Smith was to bring a memorable burger experience to Rockport Harbor, and the loaded menu at their restaurant venture certainly delivers. The long summer lines provide plenty of time to choose between the Little Sis burger, adorned with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, pickled peppers, and garlic aioli, or the Big Brother, a double-beef-patty combination with bacon crumbles, tomato, jalapeño, and jalapeño-bacon spread. Ambitious types can build their own creations, while extra-hungry diners can add a Larry Bird fried-chicken sandwich to their order. littlesisterburger.com

COCKTAIL BAR

Ladyslipper, Provincetown

Walking down Commercial Street, it’s impossible to miss this bright-red ice cream parlor turned hottest new cocktail bar in P-town. Pink walls and stamped-tin ceiling augment the cheeky vibe, which carries through to the “We Made These Up” drinks menu filled with original creations like the Queen of Mayhem, an herby concoction of gin, cucumber, celery, lime, and cilantro. Pair your cocktail of choice with the JustHappens-to-Be-Vegan-but-Still-Slaps pâté, the sweet meringue trifle, and lots of good company, and you’ll be having so much fun that closing time will come too soon. ladyslipperptown.com

the Mohawk Trail in 1991, and it’s since grown into a Western Massachusetts mini chain. And a true family affair, too, with daughter and general manager Annabelle serving up hand-blended coffees, espresso, chai, and seasonal lattes at the Shelburne headquarters. Local flavor abounds in the lineup of egg sandwiches named after surrounding towns; for our money, you can’t go wrong with the signature Shelburne Falls, a combo of egg, prosciutto, Brie, tomato, and pesto. Pair it with a cup of First Light, the roastery’s bold and fruity signature blend, and you’ve got a perfect start to the day. shelburnefallscoffee.com

DISTILLERY

Forager Distillery at Greylock Works, North Adams

Master distiller Ryan Max Riley sources his inspiration—and a lot of his ingredients— from the hills surrounding his Foragerbrand distillery inside the Greylock Works creative space. From Riley’s hammeredSpanish-copper still emerges a line of handmade gins, rums, and bottled cocktails. Pick up a bottle to take home, or sit and enjoy an original cocktail from a menu inspired by the Massachusetts landscape: The Blackberry Bramble spiced rum cocktail is like a virtual walk in the Berkshire woods, while the Nantucket, a briny martini made with oyster- and seaweedinfused gin, invites dreams of island life. distilleryatgreylockworks.com

ITALIAN

Vuolo’s, Winthrop

When the walls are lined with family photographs and the aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and basil are wafting from the kitchen, it’s hard not to feel as though you’ve stepped right into Nonna’s house. And that’s exactly how the LaMonica clan wants you to feel. Whether you’re being greeted by matriarch Lisa at the front of the house, sipping on a Vuolo’s original cocktail mixed by son Joe, or savoring the lobster ravioli whipped up by executive chef Stephen (yes, another son), you’ll be glad you ventured out into Winthrop’s tucked-away peninsula to join the family. vuoloswinthrop.com

NEW RESTAURANT

Luna Mare, Ipswich

Having already made a splash on the North Shore with his longtime restaurant Ithaki,

Greek-born chef-owner Petros Markopoulos now brings his signature flair to the offerings at Luna Mare, a Mediterraneanfusion eatery with an emphasis on tapas. Markopoulos’s take on fried clams, for instance, comes with green apple coleslaw, harissa oil, and brioche bread; the cod cheeks are served with lemon-olive oil and skordalia , a Greek dip made of garlic, bread, and potatoes. Beyond Luna Mare’s seafood delights, the house-made fries pair perfectly with the Wagyu smash burger topped with bacon jam and caramelized onions. lunamarecuisine.com

PIZZA

Ciao! Pizza and Pasta, Chelsea

Led by co-owners Edson Coimbra and Marvin Posada, what started as a mission to feed the local community has evolved into the hottest Italian comfort-food spot around. Classicists will love the bubblinghot pizza Margherita or the spaghetti carbonara; the adventurous might try specials like a spicy sausage pie with squash puree and shallots; and no one can say ciao to Ciao! before trying the Nutella pizza

topped with strawberries, bananas, and mascarpone cheese. ciaopizzaandpasta.com

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

Sunset Club, Newbury

Making the drive out to Plum Island is a small price to pay for the chance to settle into an open-air, ocean-view table and watch the sky dissolve into majestic evening colors to the soundtrack of lapping waves and keening gulls. Of course, executive chef Michael Dyer’s menu of top-notch bar fare—burgers, tacos, sandwiches—makes the whole thing even better. For our money, there is no finer setup for a laid-back seaside repast … especially with a potent Sunset Club daiquiri close at hand. sunsetclubpi.com

TAQUERIA

Taqueria La Unica, Lawrence

When nothing but Mexican will do, this tiny-but-mighty eatery on Haverhill Street is a must-stop destination. The menu is loaded

with authentic dishes such as steak tacos, flautas, and pork-and-cheese pupusas, though you can’t go wrong with the less-expected, either (think: savory birria ramen swimming in spiced broth). Wash it all down with a sweet horchata, and find your cravings thoroughly quenched—at least for now.

TASTING MENU

Clean Slate Eatery, West Dennis

Having put Clean Slate Eatery on pause for four years due to the pandemic—during which he launched a popular taco concept called La Tacodilla—chef Jason Montigel has restarted his fine-dining business and is once again assembling the best Cape Cod ingredients into strikingly creative dishes. Each month brings a new six-course tasting menu built on whatever is fresh and in season—local scallops in coconut beurre blanc, perhaps, or striped bass with baba ghanoush—all presented amid the theatricality of Clean Slate’s open kitchen. cleanslateeatery.com

LODGING

AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT

Freebird, West Yarmouth

Proving that Cape Cod hospitality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, this vintage-meets-modern hotel does away with the typical shingles and clapboards in favor of a more vibrant aesthetic. Here, guests enter a light-filled world of tropical colors, midcentury decor, and lyrics from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” painted across the walls. It’s all about amiable vibes and affordable comfort as you relax poolside in a cabana or enjoy a cocktail from the Dirty Birdie Bar. freebirdmotorlodge.com

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Miraval Berkshires, Lenox

Tuck away that cell phone and give your full attention to serious Gilded Age–meets–21st century pampering at this luxury resort and

Step Into History

spa set on 380 bucolic acres. At Miraval Berkshires, you can melt into serene bliss in a sensory immersion meditation, or stimulate mind and body on the outdoor challenge course. Try your hand at the pottery wheel, or take a private cooking lesson. Regardless of the amenities and offerings you choose, no stay is complete without a gourmet dinner at the 1894 Restaurant, where the prix fixe menu features ingredients sourced from local farms. miravalresorts.com

MOTOR LODGE

Blue Vista Motor Lodge, Florida

This 1960s-era motor lodge is the latest in a line of hotels and souvenir shops that have graced Whitcomb Summit, the highest point on the Mohawk Trail, since the famed scenic roadway was completed in 1914. The lodge was extensively renovated and reopened in 2022, with 17 suites offering jaw-dropping mountain views, though the 500-square-foot King Suite adds a touch of exclusivity with its sitting room and front porch with patio seating. After a day

Immerse yourself in a journey through America’s founding with new exhibits, spectacular events, and unforgettable living history experiences at the largest outdoor history museum in New England. At Old Sturbridge Village, we invite you to step into the everyday lives of the people who shaped our nation.

exploring nearby trails and attractions, relax by a firepit or rent out the hot tub for a rejuvenating soak. Looking for cultural adventures? The art lovers’ outposts of Williamstown and North Adams are just a few miles away. bluevistamotorlodge.com

NEW RESORT

Prospect Berkshires, Egremont

The Pennsylvania-built wood cabins here are so evocative of the literary and transcendental heritage of the 19th century you might expect to run into the ghost of Henry David Thoreau on your way to the pool, saunas, or tennis courts. The minimalist, wide-window designs bathe guests in natural light and offer expansive views of the pine-lined shores of Prospect Lake. Follow winding paths to the historic Cliff House, built in 1876 as part of the original Prospect Lake Park. The building has been reverently renovated to include a store, community gathering space, bar, and restaurant whose local flavors serve up their own kind of transcendent touch. prospectberkshires.com

EDITORS’ PICKS: MASSACHUSETTS

PET-FRIENDLY OVERNIGHT

The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, Nantucket

Why worry about finding a dog sitter when you can just bring Fido on your island escape? This waterfront collection of one- to three-bedroom hideaways offers designated “Woof Cottages” that are kitted out with amenities like pet beds, personalized ID tags, and treat bags. Fancy a night out on your own? The management can ensure that your pooch gets those walkies in, regardless. thecottagesnantucket.com

READING RETREAT

76 Main Ink Press Hotel, Nantucket

Stroll along any Nantucket beach in summer, and you’re bound to see someone engrossed in a novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the bestselling author and island resident whose books have captivated generations of vacationers.

Embrace her beach-read vibe in 76 Main’s Elin Hilderbrand Suite, whose decor includes an author-signed beam and framed book covers.

Rounding things out are a king bed, back patio, firepit, BYOB mixer bar, and a comfy little daybed that’s just the spot for curling up with a good book. 76main.com

ROMANTIC INN

Faraway, Martha’s Vineyard

Just minutes from downtown Edgartown, six former seafaring captains’ homes have been transformed into a luxurious hotel that feels like a world apart. Of particular note for couples seeking a private romantic escape: the Chappy House’s intimate king studio suite, which comes with a soaking tub, wellstocked mini bar, and balcony that looks out over the harbor and Chappaquiddick Island. farawaymarthasvineyard.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

AutoCamp Cape Cod, Falmouth

This resort offers guests the chance to go glamping in a vintage Airstream trailer that’s been restyled into a luxury cabin unit—

generously sized for a solo traveler and with stand-apart privacy in the bargain. Just minutes away from beaches, shops and restaurants, and Martha’s Vineyard ferries, the property also includes cabins and adventure tents, as well as an accessible tiny home. autocamp.com

THEMED ROOMS

The Cove at Salem, Salem

Ever wanted to snooze on a tranquil seabed, or hibernate in an enchanted ice cave? You can do just that at The Cove at Salem, whose 10 recently renovated themed rooms have something for every kind of whim. Whether you’re a lover of the macabre (medieval dungeon, haunted circus) or prefer more lighthearted surroundings (Victorian Salem, pirate queen), you can lay your head here and let your imagination run wild. www.coveatsalem.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors with contributions from Madeline Bilis, contributing editor at Boston magazine and author of 50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts , and Ryan Cashman, a New England–based travel and food writer.

ATTRACTIONS

CANDY STORE

Madeleine’s Candy Shop, Boston

Swedish candy seems to be the topic on everybody’s tongues recently, both literally and figuratively. Made with real sugar and natural colorings, the confections skew extra chewy and colorful. There’s no better spot to fill a bag than Madeleine’s Candy Shop in the South End, which offers walls lined with clear acrylic containers of domestic and imported candies. Among the sweets on offer: gummy sharks, sour watermelon bears, and Bubs, a highly popular Swedish candy brand. Shoppers simply use tongs to scoop what looks yummiest into their bags, weigh them at the counter, and enjoy. madeleinescandyshop.com

CRAFT CLASSES

Tutuland, Boston

No frilly pink skirts are necessary at Tutuland, also known as “the land of craft lovers.” Just bring all the creativity you can muster to properly get in the zone. Which zone, exactly, depends on what colorful craft class you’re in the mood to try: There’s rug tufting, acrylic paint pouring, DIY beading, and decoden art, which involves decorating an accessory of your choice (like a phone case) with rhinestones, pearls, stickers, and other doodads. tutulandstudio.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Boston Local Food Festival, Boston Swirling scents of barbecue, dumplings,

crepes, pupusas, and other culinary delights beckon visitors to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for one delicious day in September, allowing them to sample some of the region’s best dishes. Beyond the rows upon rows of food vendors, a “New England Seafood Throwdown” highlights wild-caught fish and local produce, while cooking demonstrations teach onlookers about pickling, baking, and beyond. Kids tend to linger at the Family Fun Zone, where there’s face painting, lawn games, and crafts. bostonlocalfood.org

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Berklee Summer in the City, Boston

Nothing beats catching a concert on a warm summer evening, and thanks to Berklee, you can do so without having to keep refreshing your browser for tickets. The

EDITORS’ PICKS: BOSTON

school’s “Summer in the City” series puts on more than 200 free performances from June to September. Since 2006, the series has spotlighted more than 10,000 performers across dozens of genres, including folk, jazz, and R&B. Watch students, faculty, and alumni jam from your seat at one of the city’s loveliest hangouts, such as the leafy lawn of Cambridge’s Longfellow House, the ICA’s waterfront grandstand, and the shores of Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor. college.berklee.edu

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

Park City, Boston

It’s been compared to summer camp for adults, and for good reason: South Boston’s Park City is a 30,000-square-foot outdoor restaurant, bar, and venue that feels like entering dozens of small, simultaneous parties. Based on Park City’s debut season in 2025, visitors can expect to find something always going on (live music, a fitness class, or movie night, to name a few) and the scent of something delicious in the air. Among past menu hits are “adult lunchables,” aka elevated charcuterie boards, and double dry-aged

BEST CLASSIC SEAFOOD: Row 34, Boston and Cambridge

there are Soundscape Tours—punchy explorations of the city’s rock ’n’ roll history, all guided by local musician Matt Bowker. Starting from the music-themed lobby of the Verb Hotel, you’re whisked through Back Bay and the Fenway as Bowker points out legendary venues like the Rat and the Boston Tea Party, aka the Velvet Underground’s favorite place to play in the States. He goes deep on how Boston has impacted the careers of artists like Radiohead, the Pixies, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and many more. soundscape-tours.com

DINING CAFÉ

Elephantine, Boston

Stepping into this newish café-bakery off a busy Fort Point sidewalk, you may wonder, Am I in Paris? Edith Piaf on the stereo, fresh flowers in vases, stacks of croissants, buckets of baguettes … the vibe is transporting, and the food and drinks even more so. Begin the day with a cardamom bun and a latte, or the creamy soft scrambled eggs with house-made sourdough; for lunch, eggplant focaccia or Niçoise salad and maybe an Aperol spritz? Additional location in Portsmouth, NH elephantinebakery.com

smash burgers. Dogs are invited, too: “Bark City” offerings have included unseasoned beef patties and grilled chicken tenders with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the MSPCA. parkcitysouthie.com

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Village Vinyl, Brookline

Those in search of the record-shop experiences of yore should head to Village Vinyl in Brookline, which has been offering self-proclaimed “crap-free crate digging” since it opened in 2017. It’s a laid-back place staffed by folks with encyclopedic music knowledge: You can browse new and vintage vinyl, as well as CDs, cassettes, and, for audiophiles, stereo equipment like turntables, amps, and speakers. DJs also set up shop here from time to time, spinning a variety of genres and hosting listening parties for new albums. villagevinylhifi.com

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION

Soundscape Tours, Boston

There are Boston walking tours, and then

CLASSIC SEAFOOD

Row 34, Boston and Cambridge

Boston’s seafood scene has evolved to the point of specialization: prix fixe (Mooncusser), Portuguese (Baleia), steakhouse-inspired (The Banks), luxe (Ostra). But for classics like clam chowder, lobster rolls, Maine mussels, and calamari, all prepared with peak-fresh fish, you can’t beat Row 34. “Classic” doesn’t mean tired, however: The calamari comes with togarashi aioli for dipping, and there’s lobster tagliatelle with smoked oyster butter, too. All in all, the perfect “new New England” seafood spot. Additional locations in Burlington, MA, and Portsmouth, NH. row34.com

INDIAN

Ssaanjh, Brookline

Yes, you can get that old standby chicken tikka masala, but here the flavors are fresher and more vibrant. Biryani is enlivened with fresh herbs, sizzled onions, chilies, saffron, and lemon juice. And vegetarians will love the creamy spinach, corn, and

ricotta saag. The cooking is modern and improvisational, with variations on dishes from all over India, not just the Punjabi classics found everywhere else. Plus, there are zingy cocktails and desserts flavored with chocolate, rose, saffron, pistachio, and mint. ssaanjh.com

MEDITERRANEAN

Sarma, Somerville

Cassie Piuma—who is part of the team that gave us Oleana and Sofra, but who has truly made Sarma her own—has been producing some of the most inventive, delicious, seasonally attuned, and expertly crafted food that Boston has ever seen, and she’s been doing it consistently for more than a dozen years. The food is spiceforward Mediterranean with an emphasis on shared plates. Some must-trys: avocado muhummara, Black Sea cornbread, lamb kofte sliders, and ricotta loukamades with halva caramel for dessert. sarmarestaurant.com

NEW RESTAURANT

Brassica Kitchen + Café, Boston

Brassica is the kind of restaurant we wish Boston had more of: quirky, imaginative, and neighborhood-centric. After the Jamaica Plain eatery outgrew its original space, it moved into much bigger digs next door last fall, which allowed chef-owners Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta to add a pizza oven and to experiment more. You’ll

see Italian and Japanese flavors here, with lots of fermentation—in the hot sauces, the pizza dough, the koji risotto, the miso in the Bolognese. Don’t miss the pork belly, the duck, or the weekend brunch. brassicakitchen.com

PIZZA

June Bug, Somerville

From the team behind the 2025 Best of New England pick Field & Vine, June Bug specializes in naturally leavened (aka sourdough) pies baked in a Maine-made wood-fired oven that turns the crust puffy, chewy, and crisp. Toppings are more seasonal and imaginative than the usual, so you might see squash blossoms and fresh tomatoes in late summer or morels, cheddar-beer sauce, and chives in spring. Salads are noteworthy, the flan is unmissable, and the wine list is full of delicious surprises. junebugrestaurant.com

PUB

McGonagle’s, Boston

Boston has plenty of Irish pubs, but only McGonagle’s has such a high-level combo of wood-and-stained-glass interior, live music, perfect pours, craft cocktails, and fresh takes on classic pub fare. In fact, McGonagle’s (named after owner Oran) made it onto The New York Times ’s list of the 50 best restaurants for 2025. Of particular note: gourmet pigs in blankets with locally made links, excellent fish and chips, real soda

bread with Irish butter, and an ultra-cozy shepherd’s pie. mcgonagles.com

SUSHI

Café Sushi Nisei, Cambridge

For more than 40 years, Café Sushi, just outside Harvard Square, has been the standard-bearer for quality sushi at fair prices. During the pandemic, the restaurant went takeout-only and stayed that way for five years. Happily, table service is back in the renamed café (nisei means “second generation”), in a stylishly redesigned space—dark blue walls, cozy nooks, glowing red and white paper lanterns. And the food is even better: small plates of miso-glazed sablefish; sea bream sushi with yuzu, edible flowers, and wasabi oil; toro with leek coulis and lemon. Another must-try: the five-spice fried chicken. cafesushicambridge.com

LODGING AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT

Meco Hotel, Boston

Maybe you just need a nice place to stay that won’t break the bank. Enter Meco Hotel, a “pod hotel” in the West End offering bunkstyle sleeping quarters in female, male, and coed rooms that go as low as $50 a night. Each pod has a blackout curtain you can pull down for privacy, as well as charging outlets, a reading light, and storage. The place is more of a friendly hostel-hotel hybrid, with common areas for socialization and shared bathrooms, not to mention free pastries and coffee in the lounge. mecohotels.com

HOTEL PACKAGE

Boston

Harbor Lobster Experience Package at the Lenox,

Back Bay

Picture this: You’re cruising out of Boston Harbor in a working lobster boat, the wind in your hair and the city at your back. Soon, you’ll haul up a trap filled with crustaceans, which you’ll feast on later tonight. That’s the idea behind the Lenox Hotel’s Boston Harbor Lobster Experience package. After learning about the lobstering business (and how to bind claws!), you’ll get cleaned up to eat the day’s catch as part of a five-course tasting menu prepared by executive chef Daniel Kenney. lenoxhotel.com

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Four Seasons One Dalton, Boston

Treat yourself by spending a night (or two) in the third-tallest tower in the city. Though it’s all gleaming glass on the outside, it’s total warmth and elegance on the inside, thanks to a muted palette with metallic accents. A stay includes bathrobes and slippers for both you and the kiddos, Frédéric Malle bath amenities, and impeccable views. You’ll also want to explore the “Wellness Floor”— complete with a spa, a fitness center, and a 64-foot pool with an underwater sound system—and Zuma, the sleek Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant. fourseasons.com/ onedalton

ONE-OF-A-KIND RENTAL

Boston

You won’t have to choose between a city or coastal getaway at this marine retreat—you can enjoy the best of both worlds in the

form of gentle waves and a sparkling skyline view. Docked in Charlestown, Casita is a sunny houseboat with a queen bed, en suite bath, and covered porch. A sizable deck overlooking the city offers an umbrellashaded table and Adirondack chairs for lounging; if you need more space, guests also have access to the marina’s outdoor heated pool and communal deck with grills for use. bedandbreakfastafloat.com

PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL

Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston

Three words: doggy room service. Not only can guests at the Fairmont bring up to two pets in tow, but dogs are invited to indulge in beautifully plated treats—on demand. The dog-friendly in-room dining menu offers Angus beef patties, hearthroasted chicken, peanut butter pup cups, and even a dish of codfish and caviar. There are built-in socialization benefits, too, considering the hotel’s friendly black lab canine ambassador, Cori Copley, can often be found trotting (or napping) around the lobby. fairmont-copley-plaza.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

citizenM Boston Back Bay, Boston

The beauty of solo travel lies in your ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want. At citizenM, you can indulge in anything that strikes your fancy: luxuriating in your XL king-size bed, admiring the local art on the walls of the cozy “living room,” or toasting to yourself at the top-floor champagne bar, Bubble Bath. The best of Back Bay is only a few steps from the lobby, and Lyrik, the surrounding development, hosts unique events, too—like watercolor workshops and hiFiv, an outdoor vinyl listening bar on Sundays and Thursdays. citizenm.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors led by senior food editor Amy Traverso, longtime Boston resident and host of Weekends with Yankee , with contributions by Madeline Bilis, contributing editor at Boston magazine and author of 50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM STOP

Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole

On a pastoral hillside in the Connecticut River Valley, this idyllic 350-acre farmstead is especially enjoyable in autumn, when you can scramble through a pumpkin patch, ride in wagons overlooking the brilliant fall foliage, munch on cider doughnuts, and shop among the orchard’s 50-plus varieties of apples—from Galas to Zestars. Earlier in the year, gather strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and more. Kids love petting the docile goats and watching the ducks, sheep, and pigs. There’s also a farm store with fresh-baked pies, bocce courts, fishing and swimming ponds, and historic overnight accommodations. alysonsorchard.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, Hampton Beach

Begun in 1988 in this family-friendly coastal town, there are many tasty reasons this festival has been rated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America. The beloved midSeptember seafood showcase features dishes from more than 50 area restaurants—think chowders, fried clams, oysters on the half shell, bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, and lobster in just about every imaginable form. Festivities also include dozens of arts and crafts vendors, end-of-summer sidewalk sales, chef demonstrations, two stages with live bands, a fireworks display, and a lobster roll eating competition, all taking place along several beachfront blocks of Ocean Boulevard. seafoodfestivalnh.com

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Lynda Cohen Performing Arts

Series at AMC’s Highland Center, Bretton Woods

Watch folk, bluegrass, and Americana musicians perform against a spectacular backdrop of soaring granite peaks during these free concerts held in the heart of the White Mountains. Performances take place, rain or shine, on select Saturday evenings in July and August on the lawn at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s picturesque Highland Center. Bring a folding chair or blanket and set up a picnic—you can also purchase light bites as well as beer and wine, and full dinners are available by advance purchase. It’s a wonderful way to end a day of hiking in surrounding Crawford Notch State Park. outdoors.org

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

Tiki Hut Boats of NH, Laconia

Located at the festive Winnipesaukee Pier in Weirs Beach, this popular outfitter offers 90-minute scheduled public excursions around the lake in three fully captained, thatched-roof boats with bamboo bars. These cruises tend to draw a mostly adult crowd (kids aren’t permitted at all on the Tuesday-night reggae excursions), and you can also book your own custom adventure. Especially fun are the special outings offered when Weirs Beach presents fireworks shows (usually every other Saturday evening, July–August). You bring your own food and drink, including adult beverages, and the crew supplies coolers with ice. tikihutboatsofnh.com

HISTORY MUSEUM

American Independence Museum, Exeter

The 1775 Folsom Tavern, one of two historic museum buildings here, is just the sort of place where Samuel Adams would toast the 250th anniversary of his treasonous signature. So it’s apropos that you can raise a pint of Sam Adams at the American Independence Festival here on July 11, thanks to the Boston Beer Company’s involvement. Suds and celebrations aside, it’s self-evident you should visit this year to see artifacts like a (rarely on display) original Declaration of Independence broadside. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, admission is free for all in 2026. independencemuseum.org

INDIE MUSIC STORE

NH Vintage Vinyl, Laconia

Treasures abound in this well-stocked emporium in a red-brick downtown storefront, including both gently used and unopened albums from artists in virtually every genre, from The Beatles to Bjork. For the latest vinyl, including hard-to-find deep cuts, visit on Saturdays, when new inventory is released. The knowledgeable staff takes meticulous care with LPs, which are graded by condition, sterilized with an ultrasonic record cleaner, and resleeved in archivalquality rice paper. You’ll also find cassettes and CDs, concert tees, posters, and every other imaginable form of memorabilia, plus musical instruments and vintage turntables and other hi-fi gear. nhvintagevinyl.com

MUSEUM SHOP

The Village Store at Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury

This rambling shop inside an 1825 carriage house with stout timber beams and wideplank wooden floors carries timelessly elegant yet functional furniture, housewares, and gifts handcrafted in the centuries-old Shaker tradition. Popular finds include flat brooms, woven baskets, and oval boxes and trays, some of which have been crafted during workshops offered in this 694-acre living-history village. Also peruse the handdipped candles and soaps, and illustrated greeting cards printed on plantable paper embedded with wildflower seeds. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of books on the community’s fascinating history and revered design principles. canterbury-shaker-village.square.site

ONE-OF-A-KIND PAMPERING

Villa Hygge, North Conway

At this sleek Nordic-style boutique resort, you can slip away from the bustle of North Conway to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your body. Spend the night in one of the 11 sumptuous suites with light natural-wood walls, large windows, outdoor terraces, soft robes, and sheepskin throws on the beds and armchairs. Rates include a healthy Scandinavian-style breakfast. Then indulge your senses in the serene spa, relaxing in the Finnish sauna and Himalayan salt lounge, or blissing out with a Swedish massage, facial glow, or yoga class. Day visitors can book halfday and full-day packages. villahyggehotel.com

DINING

BREAKFAST SPOT

Roundabout Diner, Portsmouth

Bring your appetite to breakfast at this bustling Portsmouth diner with flashy retro ’50s decor and creative dishes, many of them featuring locally sourced ingredients. On the savory side, consider the eggs Benedict topped with 15-hour house-smoked barbecue pulled pork. Or satisfy your yen for something sweet by ordering the rich challah bread French toast, dredged in a Grand Marnier–cinnamon batter, browned on the sizzling griddle, and served with whipped cream and real maple syrup. roundaboutdiner.com

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BEST COFFEE SHOP: Brewbakers Café, Keene

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BURGER

Over the Moon Farmstead, Pittsfield

Part of the appeal of this festive hilltop tavern are the panoramic views of the countryside, and sampling artisan beverages from adjacent Moonlight Meadery and Hidden Moon Brewing. But a star attraction from the farm-to-table menu is the Van Der Burger, an eight-ounce patty of locally raised Wagyu beef topped with house-cured pickles, a tangy sauce, and your choice of American, cheddar, or blue cheese (the optional addition of crispy pork belly is a must). You can eat in the main dining room, but it’s more fun in the rustic BarN, with its exceptional woodfired pizzas and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. overthemoonfarmstead.com

COFFEE SHOP

Brewbakers Café, Keene

This airy spot in a vintage red-brick industrial building draws students, artists, and digital nomads with its expansive seating, delicious breakfast and lunch fare, and colorful crafts gallery stocked with whimsical apparel,

cards, and gifts. The eclectic drinks selection includes expertly crafted espresso drinks from the organic in-house roastery, Terra Nova Coffee, plus smoothies, kombucha, and craft beer and prosecco on tap. In the morning, fuel up with one of the hearty brunch bowls or breakfast sandwiches. Later in the day, try the artichoke po’ boy, and a chai doughnut makes a sweet ending. brewbakerskeene.com

CRAFT CIDERY

Contoocook Cider Co. at Gould Hill Farm, Contoocook

The stupendous vistas from this hilltop tasting room create a dramatic backdrop for sipping crisp ciders crafted from fresh fruit grown on the surrounding 60-acre Gould Hill Farm. The flavor profiles run the gamut from crisp and dry heirloom apple blends to lightly sweet and effervescent blueberry and maple-infused varieties—the best strategy is to order a sampler flight. Open weekends only, the cidery presents acoustic, indie pop, and alt-country bands in the afternoon from 1 to 4. Pizzas and light bites, including hot pretzels with local Blackwater Mustard, are served, and you’re encouraged to wander the scenic grounds and shop for produce in the farm store. contoocookcider.com

GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY

Dishon, Manchester

Golden, just-baked artisan breads; plump bagels; handcrafted pastries; cheesy, chewycrust pizza pies with basil confetti. It all seems like a mirage at first to anyone who has struggled to find gluten-free alternatives with the taste and texture that make baked goods so addictive. But Dishon is a true 100-percent-gluten-free bakery, driven to perfect its recipes by founder Evan Lang’s own celiac disease diagnosis. Some customers report driving five hours round-trip to stock up. But you can also have bagels shipped. dishonbakery.com

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Cornicello, Exeter

A mission of this handsome trattoria offering grand views of the Exeter River is introducing diners to the tremendous regional diversity of Italian cooking. On the frequently changing menu, you might find starters like Calabrian sausage with honey and ricotta or pan-seared cod cakes over grilled corn. The handmade

pastas are truly stellar—a pappardelle with a robust Genovese-style ragu of slow-braised onions, pork shoulder, and white wine has earned raves. Save room for the oliveoil-infused pistachio cake, and note that Cornicello features an entirely Italian list of wines, with many selections you won’t find elsewhere in New Hampshire. ilcornicello.com

NEW RESTAURANT

Evolution Bistro, Manchester

Exposed brick walls, leather banquette seats, and dim lighting impart a sophisticated supper club vibe at this polished steaks-and-chopsfocused restaurant on downtown’s lively Elm Street. Standouts from the kitchen include the signature 24-ounce chateaubriand, along with slow-braised short ribs and cider-brined pork chops, while among the notable starters are Maine mussels with chorizo. Don’t overlook the sides, especially the luscious six-hour mashed potatoes and maple-sriracha carrots. The long, elegant bar is a memorable setting for sampling selections from Evolution’s sizable whiskey library. evolutionnh.com

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

The Notch Grille, Gorham

On clear days you can gaze up at the 6,288foot summit of Mount Washington while dining on the reliably tasty gastropub fare in this contemporary restaurant inside The Glen House, the fifth iteration of a hotel on this site at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road since 1852. Towering windows allow jaw-dropping vistas, and even greater visual drama awaits on the large wooden deck, where cushioned seats surround a firepit. Dishes like beef brisket chili and maple-herb roasted chicken offer satisfying sustenance after a day of hiking, rafting, or cross-country skiing. thenotchgrille.com

LODGING

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle

This grand Victorian overlooking the Piscataqua River and the ocean looks as regal as it must have in 1905, when it hosted negotiators during the Russo-Japanese War peace talks. Rooms in the main building, with its three prominent turrets (each containing a spectacular bi-level suite), retain the hotel’s historic flavor, while modern townhousestyle Marina Suites offer more space. Dine

on creative American fare in the refined Salt restaurant, or sip champagne while feasting on the opulent iced-shellfish tower on the waterfront balcony at Latitudes restaurant. Other amenities include tennis courts, two pools, and a stunning full-service spa. opalcollection.com/wentworth

READING RETREAT

Hanover Inn, Hanover

With its cushy rooms outfitted with plaid armchairs, this storied inn is perfect for immersing yourself in a great book, perhaps one penned by illustrious Dartmouth alumni Louise Erdrich (The Night Watchman) or Norman Maclean ( A River Runs Through It). Countless literary beacons have visited here, among them F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carl Sandburg, and Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). On warm days, you can read from a wooden rocking chair on the terrace overlooking Dartmouth Green, across from which you can tour the enchanting Tower Room of Dartmouth’s 1928 Baker-Berry Library, with its soaring Palladian windows and gilt chandelier. hanoverinn.com

ROMANTIC INN

Chesterfield Inn, West Chesterfield

The approach to this stately farmhouse is along a winding driveway. A fireplace warms the two-story lobby, which overlooks wildflower meadows and a tranquil pond. The 15 antiques-filled rooms abound with inviting details, such as exposed timber

beams, barnwood walls, and balconies or terraces; some suites feature a fireplace and jetted soaking tub. Lavish country breakfasts can be delivered to your room on request. Enhance your stay with a romance package featuring a welcome bottle of prosecco followed by a threecourse dinner for two in the softly lighted restaurant. chesterfieldinn.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

Follansbee Inn, North Sutton

The Follansbee’s thoughtful innkeeper, Denis Swords, grew up in New Orleans and infuses this rambling lakeside getaway—built in 1840 as a stagecoach stop—with genuine Southern hospitality, making it easy for single travelers to mingle with fellow guests over the scrumptious Louisiana-inspired breakfasts or while attending one of the inn’s enchanting live music evenings. But you’ll also find ample opportunities for “me time,” perhaps journaling by the living room fireplace, lazing in a lakeside hammock, or paddling a kayak out to Loon Island. Among the 17 individually decorated rooms, three cozier, economically priced second-floor units offer full-size or twin beds and are popular with solo guests. follansbeeinn.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors with contributions from Andrew Collins, a travel writer based part-time in New Hampshire and author of numerous guidebooks, including Ultimate Road Trips USA & Canada

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM STOP

Nezinscot Farm Store, Turner Homesteading and sustainable living are the focus at Nezinscot, Maine’s oldest organic dairy farm. The Varney family makes it easy to learn about and practice both. Go for breakfast, lunch, or a pick-me-up: The café serves and the store sells many products made or raised on the farm, including meat, veggies, cheeses, and breads. Perhaps mosey out to the medicinals garden with an affogato made with house gelato. You’ll find everything you’ll need for spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, and crocheting in the second-floor fiber shop, which sells organic wools from the farm’s sheep, angora goats, angora rabbits, and alpacas. Pick up craft supplies, take a workshop, or covet wool socks and hand-dyed yarns. nezinscotfarm.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, Dover-Foxcroft

Whoop it up with whoopie pies, a scrumptious sweet made by sandwiching a creamy filling between two cakey cookies. The annual one-day festival, held in June on the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds, invites you to taste, experience, and discover Maine’s official state treat. In addition to enjoying creatively flavored whoopie pies, the event includes arts and crafts vendors, live music, and eating contests. In 2025, more than 30 bakers each brought 1,500 whoopie pies to the festival. mainewhoopiepiefestival.com

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Made in Maine Concert Series, L.L. Bean, Freeport In July and August, enjoy free outdoor

Saturday-evening concerts featuring Maine musicians at Discovery Park on L.L. Bean’s Freeport campus. You’re welcome to set up a chair or a blanket beginning at 4 p.m., but the music doesn’t start until 7 p.m. In the meantime, savor a snack or a picnic dinner from one of the local food trucks on-site. Or, bring a small cooler—just no alcohol. Discovery Park is accessible, ADA parking is available, and an American Sign Language interpreter is provided. llbean.com

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Vinyl Vogue, Ellsworth

Matt Manry has created an indie music store with a heart inside the Newberry Exchange on Main Street, a space shared with Trio Gift Shop and Black Moon Public House. That makes it easy to sip a cocktail as you browse rare and collectible records and cassettes or to admire premium guitars

and lust after restored vintage audio gear, while friends gift-shop. As for heart: Manry donates 10 percent of profits to local school music programs to make music education more accessible to all. vinylvogue.com

MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP

Mount Agamenticus, York Drive, hike, or bike to the 692-foot summit of the Big A, as it’s locally known, and enjoy panoramic views taking in the Atlantic coastline, one of the largest undeveloped forestlands along New England’s coast, inland lakes, and the White Mountains. Rare plants and animal species exist in this biologically diverse 10,000-acre conservation land that’s managed to balance wildlife, water quality, and sustainable recreation. Bring a picnic, check out the interactive displays and activities in the Learning Lodge, and go hiking or mountain biking on the 40-mile trail network. agamenticus.org

MUSEUM SHOP

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester

Three residents remain in the world’s last practicing Shaker community, and visiting here immerses you in a slower, simpler time. The property’s two shops reflect the Shakers’ “Hands to Work, Hearts to God” motto. The visitors’ center gift shop, located in the 1850 Boys’ Shop, offers a glimpse into Shaker life with books, goods, culinary herbs, medicinal teas, and locally produced crafts. The Shaker Store, on the main road, displays antique Shaker goods and offers herbs, teas, yarns, and crafts. maineshakers.com/museum; maineshakers.com/shop

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION

Maine MILL, Lewiston

A grand museum deserves a grand home, and this summer Maine MILL (full name: the Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning, and Labor) will officially reopen at the former downtown home of Camden Yarns following an ambitious $14 million renovation. For an institution dedicated to telling the story of the region’s industrial ingenuity, this isn’t just a new address: It’s an entirely new way to share Maine MILL’s collection of more than 10,000 artifacts, including a rare Jacquard loom, through

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EDITORS’ PICKS: MAINE

larger exhibit spaces, a learning center, a children’s gallery, and a hands-on interactive design lab. mainemill.org

QUIRKY ATTRACTION

Umbrella Cover Museum, Peaks Island

When Nancy 3. Hoffman (yes, her middle name is “3.”) discovered she had a handful of umbrella covers that she didn’t know what to do with, she opened a museum dedicated to the “appreciation of the mundane in everyday life”—but this place is anything but mundane. Hoffman’s collection earned a Guinness World Record in 2012 with 730 covers, and now it numbers more than 2,000 and represents more than 70 countries. Hoffman guides visitors through the exhibits, and usually she ends the tour singing and playing “Let a

Smile Be Your Umbrella” on her accordion. umbrellacovermuseum.org

SPECIALTY MUSEUM

Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport

Explore 11 buildings filled with exhibits and trolley cars on the 350-acre campus of the world’s oldest and largest electric railway museum. While here, ride a restored trolley along an original section of the Atlantic Shore Line Railway as often as you wish. Watch volunteers at work repairing cars in the restoration shop. Don’t miss Helen and Buz Beal’s intricately detailed Maine Central Model Railroad, which comprises 300 buildings and 500 cars in recognizable Maine locations. Tip: Reserve in advance for the 90-minute “Be a Motorman” program, during which you’ll operate a

vintage streetcar on the museum’s line. trolleymuseum.org

SUMMER STOCK

Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit

Since the 1930s, this summer stock theater has presented fully staged professional musicals and comedies, including premieres. It started in a downtown Ogunquit garage and later moved into the current purposebuilt playhouse. A who’s who of Broadway veterans and Hollywood pros—such as Bette Davis, William Shatner, Jamie Farr, Betty White, and Sally Struthers (who usually appears in at least one show each season)—have brightened the stage in a blend of new and familiar shows. The schedule includes five musicals, a holiday show performed at The Music Hall in New Hampshire, and two shows featuring youth actors from the playhouse’s Arts Academy. ogunquitplayhouse.org

DINING

AFTERNOON TEA

The Lady Mary Inn at Hurd Manor, North Berwick

This handsome, antiques-filled Queen Anne–Eastlake Victorian, with its ornate woodwork, architectural embellishments, and stained-glass windows, makes a fine background for afternoon tea. You’ll have a leisurely 90 minutes to enjoy a full pot of tea and assorted sandwiches, scones, and desserts served on fine china. There’s no dress code, but you won’t feel out of place in smart casual wear and a tea hat. theladymaryinn.com

BISTRO

Isa, Portland

Seasonal ingredients drive chef Isaul Perez’s menu at Isa, a cozy spot off Portland’s well-beaten restaurant trail. Locals know this unpretentious neighborhood bistro is all about food. Perez’s eclectic menu draws from his Mexican heritage, experience cooking French and Italian fare while in New York, and Maine ingredients. The lobster tostada, tagliatelle Bolognese, and local pork chop earn raves. His wife, certified sommelier Suzie Perez, has a knack for discovering big wines at affordable prices. The tin ceiling, brick walls, black-and-white tiled floor, and wooden tables provide an unassuming background for the beautifully presented plates. isaportlandme.com

Blossom Season in the Crown of Maine

A patchwork of blooms sweeps over Maine’s Aroostook County.

From spring’s first luminous sprouts to fall’s last ruddy leaves, Aroostook County is a showcase of lush pastoral scenes. Croplands, meadows, and forests all embrace the brightness and warmth of “blossom season” with exuberance, painting the Crown of Maine with floral splendor.

The landscape’s post-winter cheeriness is contagious among visitors and residents alike. In early summer, when lupines stipple the roadsides with pastel pinks, purples, and blues, descendants of 19th-century Swedish immigrants toast the summer solstice at New Sweden’s Midsommar Festival, June 19–21. Fiddlers and accordionists play as dancers wearing wildflower crowns and folk costumes skip around a maypole adorned in lupines, daisies, buttercups, and peonies.

In July, when the lupines are fading, the farmlands around Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, and Caribou unfurl thousands of acres of fragrant ivory, pink, and purple potato blossoms. This, too, is cause for merrymaking, and Fort Fairfield goes all out.

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival, July 11–19, is a grand celebration of Aroostook County’s primary crop and its hundreds of family farms. Decorated potato-themed floats roll through downtown to kick off a jam-packed week of outdoor concerts, sports tournaments, cook-offs, and not-too-serious contests of strength and skill (think: wrestling matches in mashed potatoes).

At July’s end, electric-yellow rapeseed blooms carpet the canola fields around Mapleton and Patten. Families climb to the open summit of 1,142-foot Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill to gaze out on a sea of wispy, long-stalked golden flowers rippling in the breeze.

The sunflower capital of Aroostook County is the town of Mars Hill, where the jaunty, towering flowers are in bloom

through August and early September. Yost Farms, a producer of organic sunflower oil, cultivates a multiflowering variety on the east side of Mars Hill mountain, visible from Mountain Road Find more sunnies at Skonieczny’s Farm and LaJoie Growers in Van Buren and at Goughan’s Farm in Caribou, where you can cut your own.

By mid-September, the St. John Valley farmers have harvested the buckwheat they grow for flour, a staple for local Acadian families who use it to make skillet flatbreads called ployes and an ingredient for nationally distributed snacks. The buckwheat stalks, meanwhile, have turned a blazing crimson that complements the spectacular fall colors—Maine’s earliest—sweeping over lake-dotted forests traversed by the St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway and, to the southeast, the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway (Route 1).

In Maine’s Aroostook County, blossom season is as joyously unrestrained as ever… come, take a twirl in fields of blooms.

Scan the code to take a deeper dive into Aroostook County’s blossom season—and to request the Official Travel Guide to the Crown of Maine, go to visitaroostook.com.

EDITORS’ PICKS: MAINE

BREAD BAKERY

ZUbakery, Portland

Entering baker Barak Olins’s microboulangerie awakens the senses. Enticing aromas of textured rustic breads and French pastries and warmth from the oven fill the air. Just before mixing each dough, Olins mills his whole-grain flours from certifiedorganic wheat, rye, and spelt grown in Maine’s Aroostook County. Come for the breads, but don’t miss the scrumptious pastries, including to-die-for croissants and Irish scones. Those begin emerging from the oven in the morning, followed by the breads—perhaps still-warm wheat, baguettes, focaccia, or mixed grain. zubakery.com

BREAKFAST SPOT

Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s, Camden

Hey, y’all: Whether you’re a lover of chicken and pimento cheese grits, a fan of buttermilk pancakes, or a plain-and-simple type who prefers good old bacon and eggs, this cheerful Main Street spot, dressed in nautical blue and white and sporting a menu with a Southern accent, has you covered. But don’t even think about leaving without trying the oversize buttermilk drop biscuit, ideally slathered with butter and topped with a generous smear of Buttermilk Kitchen’s signature red pepper jelly. Be prepared to order another to go, perhaps with an espresso. buttermilkcamden.com

BURGER

Quietside Snacks, Bernard

After hiking on Acadia National Park’s western side, detour to Bernard and refuel at this Airstream camper turned burger shack prized by locals. Sidle up to the window and order The Traveler, a double Angus smash burger with Snack Sauce, or a Caravan Smash, which jazzes up the patties with bacon, cheddar cheese, and baconnaise. Don’t skip the extra-crispy fries. Snag a picnic table or grab your meal to go. One bite, and you’ll understand the love. quietsidesnacks.com

COFFEE SHOP

Gemini Café & Bakery, Bethel

Anna Sysko and Nicole Pellerin chose the name Gemini for their cozy in-town café, located in a former bank, because

they worked together like the fabled twin constellation, and it has become a bright star in this western mountain town. Locals linger over coffee drinks and sweet and savory baked goods, including flaky croissants, crunchy-chewy bagels, and pastries worthy of a British baking show. For a heftier meal, opt for a breakfast or lunch sandwich, such as pastrami on rye, jambon beurre, and the always-popular peanut butter and jam. thegeminicafe.com

COMFORT FOOD

Salted Butter Farm, Sherman

Step inside this pinkish-purple gingerbreadtrimmed 1890 Victorian for affordable, family-friendly, scratch-made comfort meals made from locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Culinary Institute of America grad Jenny MacArthur and her husband, Jon Purdy, along with their family, dish out generous portions from a wide-ranging menu that offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. The eclectic decor includes Tiffany chandeliers, mismatched vintage china and furniture, and bric-a-brac. Service is friendly, and little ones are welcome—one dining room offers toys and an under-the-stairs hideaway. saltedbutterfarm.com

CRAFT CIDERY

Ricker Hill Tasting Room, Turner

For nine generations, the Ricker family has grown apples on Ricker Hill. These days, they’re all about the Mainiac hard cider produced in the original cidery, where 18 taps pour classic, limited-edition, and seasonal ciders. All are made from apples picked, pressed, and produced in Maine. The farm also grows the blueberries and cranberries used in its ciders. Not sure where to start? Order a flight of four to eight tasting portions to sip and ponder. When you find your true love, bring home a bottle or can or go big with a flagon, a cidery version of the growler. rickershardcider.com

ICE CREAM

Blanchard’s Creamery, Edgecomb

It’s hard to decide which creative flavor— pralines and cream, snickerdoodle, matcha green tea—to order at this handsomely renovated 1800s barn. Mary Blanchard’s staff makes 60-plus flavors of slow-churned, smallbatch ice cream, sorbet, and dairy-free items, along with espresso drinks and baked goods. Ask for a tasting, and if you still can’t decide,

combine a few flavors in one dish or cone or go for a tasting sampler. They even offer pup cups for your furry friend. You’ll find tables indoors and out. blanchardscreamery.com

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Dry Dock, Portland

Long an institution on Portland’s waterfront, the Dry Dock was reopened by new owners in 2025 with an updated but still nautical vibe. While choices exist for landlubbers— including a drool-worthy burger—seafood rules here. Start with raw bar selections, and then make your way through the appetizers, such as mackerel toast with dijonnaise and pickled onion, or try the spicy mussel and chorizo stew. Nothing gets too fancy here; rather, it’s comfort fare prepared with care and zing. The dining area covers two floors with seating indoors and on covered waterfront decks. drydockportland.com

TAQUERIA

El El Frijoles, Sargentville

For a taste of Mexi-Cali Maine, pop into this casual, takeout-style taqueria barn, with seating available at a picnic table on the lawn, by the firepit, under the trees, and on a screened-in porch. It’s easy to stick to the favorites, but do ask what specials chef Michele Levesque is cooking in the kitchen. Almost everything on the menu—burritos, quesadillas, empanadas, tacos, soups, salads—is made from scratch daily, with most ingredients sourced locally. Of course, fresh lobster makes its way into the burritos and tacos. And the name? That’s Spanish for L.L. Beans. elelfrijoles.com

LODGING

AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT

Black Elephant Hostel, Portland

A dizzying array of patterns and colors welcomes you to this contemporary hostel, an easy walk from the city’s Old Port and Waterfront. Prepare meals in the communal kitchen; play games, watch TV, or hang out by the fireplace in the lobby; swap stories in the garden-rimmed grassy backyard. But you don’t need to share a room or a bathroom. The 13 guest rooms include cozy doubles, triples, dorms sleeping four to eight, and a studio apartment. Six

Scan to make the most of your Maine vacation.

have en-suite bathrooms; others share private hall ones. The minimum age is 18. blackelephanthostel.com

ALL-INCLUSIVE GETAWAY

Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake, South Casco

Weaving through mature pines, paths cushioned with pine needles connect the main lodge to the beach-scalloped shoreline and guest cabins at Migis, a 125-acre resort on Sebago Lake. Migis makes vacationing easy: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, as are most activities and childcare programs for ages 4 to 6 and 7 and older. Go for a paddle or a sail or try waterskiing; cruise aboard the restored 1947 Chris-Craft Cruiser; play disc golf, pickleball, basketball, or tennis. Watch the sunset from the patio while sipping cocktails, go stargazing after dinner, and then retreat to your room or cottage, where a fireplace takes the chill off a Maine evening. migis.com

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Shoreside Rooms at

The Viewpoint Hotel, York

The Atlantic Ocean dazzles outside the Shoreside Rooms at The Viewpoint, the hotel with spectacular views of Nubble Light, aka Cape Neddick Light Station. These seven guest rooms are built into the hillside on two levels. All Shoreside Rooms feature walls of glass framing the open Atlantic, and all have views of the lighthouse. Thanks to strategically placed mirrors and glass facades, you can enjoy the views from the bathroom, too—but shades allow privacy. Guest amenities include a beach shuttle, saltwater pool, food truck, spa facility, cedar sauna, firepit, outdoor shower, and hot tub. viewpointhotel.com/ shoreside-rooms

OCEAN VIEW

The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor

Don your robe and slippers, brew a cup of coffee, and greet the day on your private balcony looking across Frenchman Bay toward the mainland mountains and the Schoodic Peninsula. A hot-and-cold breakfast buffet and afternoon grazing board with cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, baked sweets, and other treats are presented in the fireplaced lounge, with its own sea-view

balcony. The 26 spacious, art-infused guest rooms offer sublime bedding and seating indoors and outside. Thoughtful extras include a goodie-stocked guest pantry to sustain you during Acadia adventures … if you can tear yourself away from that view. thebayviewbarharbor.com

OFF-THE-GRID RETREAT

West Branch Pond Camps, Frenchtown Township

You won’t have a cell phone signal, Internet, or TV at this traditional, all-inclusive Maine sporting camp comprising cabins and a main lodge on

remote First West Branch Pond. Instead, you’ll experience peace and quiet, enjoy home-cooked meals, have use of canoes and kayaks, and immerse yourself in an edge-of-civilization location northeast of Greenville in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Rediscover connections with friends or family while spending the day swimming, fly-fishing, paddling, hiking, or simply relaxing. westbranchpondcamps.com

ONE-OF-A-KIND RENTALS

West Quoddy Station, Lubec

When Bill Clark acquired this decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard life-saving station, many

of the buildings were condemned. Over the years, he’s rescued, renovated, and built new buildings on the five-acre property, designing and decorating all in 1950s style to honor the station’s maritime heritage. The location is an easy one-mile walk from West Quoddy Head Lighthouse or sandy Jones Beach, and many of the accommodations provide views over the Quoddy Narrows. Lodging options range from studios to a fivebedroom house; all are dog-friendly. Guests have use of water-view decks and a firepit. quoddyvacation.com

ROMANTIC INN

Wolf Cove Inn, Poland

Relax and indulge at this secluded, dogfriendly inn fronting on Tripp Lake, in the foothills of Maine’s western mountains. After a hearty breakfast sourced from local ingredients, explore the lake by canoe, swim from the dock, wander around colorful perennial and kitchen gardens and under towering pines, sip cocktails and savor dinner at the guests-only bar and restaurant, and

watch the sunset from the firepit. For a truly romantic escape, luxuriate with breakfast in bed, massages, a session in the panoramic sauna with ice baths, and a four-course dinner in the private boathouse perched on the lake. wolfcoveinn.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

Windjammer Lewis R. French, Camden

Sailing aboard a Maine windjammer delivers an adventure, and the 20-passenger Lewis R. French with four single cabins (and no single supplements), is an excellent choice for solo travelers. You’ll easily meet others aboard this stately 1871 schooner over three hearty daily meals, all served family-style, and during activities. You’re invited to help trim the sails, haul the anchor, coil lines, or do nothing but enjoy what each day brings: islands and fishing villages to explore, birds and sea life to spot, and the crowd-pleasing lobster bake, usually on a deserted beach. And at night: the best stargazing ever. schoonerfrench.com

SUNSET VIEW

The Quarters at Lyman-Morse, Camden

The sunset views over Camden’s inner harbor, downtown, and the rolling countryside are just one reason to stay at The Quarters at Lyman-Morse, crafted by one of Maine’s premier boatbuilders. Three guest rooms, all decorated in a bright and airy industrial-chic style with a nautical motif, share a common living area with a fireplace and a full kitchen. A harbor-front boardwalk connects the lodging with dining and drinking hot spots and boutiques that share the sunset views. While it’s an easy walk into town, a shuttle operates between the boardwalk and the town dock most days. lymanmorsecrewquarters.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors with contributions from Hilary Nangle, the author of several Maine guidebooks, including Moon Coastal Maine with Acadia National Park

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM STOP

Scott Farm Orchard, Dummerston

Finding Scott Farm feels a little like stepping through the looking glass: After a winding drive down a dirt road, a 571acre patchwork of orchards, fields, stone walls, and farm buildings springs into view. During apple season, visitors can strike out into the orchard to pick their own, or simply raid the farm store’s dozens of rare heirloom varieties, from Hubbardston Nonesuch to Zabergau Reinette. After picking, check out the intricate stone walls scattered throughout the farm’s Stone Wall Park, then chill with a flight of hard cider and a ham-and-cheddar baguette

sandwich at the adorable outdoor café. scottfarmvermont.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, Shelburne

If cheese lovers had a heaven on earth, it would be a summer afternoon spent nibbling cheddar, Tomme, and chèvre inside a barn at Shelburne Farms. Dozens of cheesemakers gather here each summer for the Vermont Cheese Council’s annual shindig, arranging wheels and wedges of both seasonal favorites and rare finds alongside bread, crackers, jams, and chocolate. It’s nearly impossible to try it all, but seasoned veterans skip breakfast, pace their sampling, and come equipped with coolers. They also buy their tickets long

in advance—the festival sells out months beforehand. vtcheese.com/festival

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Summervale at the Intervale Center, Burlington

This midsummer party draws multiple generations to Burlington’s Intervale, a 360-acre idyll of fields, gardens, and trails along the Winooski River. Partygoers spread blankets on the grass to soak in sunshine and live tunes as their kids hula hoop and dash through sprinklers. Crepes, burgers, woodfired pizza, and ice cream (most drawn from local ingredients) provide sustenance. If anyone feels overwhelmed by the goings-on, it’s easy enough to disappear onto one of the Intervale’s many walking trails. This year’s Summervale takes place on July 11. intervale.org/summervale

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

BurlyAxe, Burlington

There’s something undeniably primal about hurling an axe against a wall. At Burlington’s aptly named BurlyAxe, coaches will equip you with a short- or long-handled hatchet, a dedicated lane, and pointers on how to fling your blade against a wooden target. Axethrowing makes for an unusual date or birthday party, and the on-site bar pours local beers and wines to fuel the competition. burlyaxe.com

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Mountain Music, Rutland

Carve out plenty of time to rummage through the bins inside this airy shop. Vinyl stretches from wall to wall and, on any given day, might include 7-inch records, imported Studio Ghibli soundtracks, and rare jazz and punk records. If an Aretha Franklin song crackling across the shop’s speakers inspires you to pick up a turntable, there’s plenty of used and vintage stereo equipment on hand—as well as cassettes, CDs, jewelry, and T-shirts. (If you can’t find what you’re looking for, owner Meshach Tourigny, a lifelong collector, might offer to hunt it down for you.) mountainmusicvt.com

MUSEUM SHOP

Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury

The shop inside this tiny-but-mighty museum (founded in 1882) brims with local arts and crafts. Prints, pottery, cards, candles, puzzles, bags, pillows, potholders, jewelry, and needlework kits from regional artisans are scattered throughout the space, which was renovated in 2024 and sometimes (in nicer weather) extends to the front porch. Among the unique offerings are basswood bird ornaments hand-painted by Weybridge woodworker Gary Starr. henrysheldonmuseum.org/store ONE-OF-A-KIND

Vermont Salt Cave Spa & Halotherapy Center, Montgomery Center

When Nafis and Sarita Khan imported 20,000 pounds of rock salt from Poland to build a salt-lined grotto in their barn, they were betting on halotherapy—the inhalation

of microscopic salt to address respiratory, skin, and mental health issues. A decade later, scores of serenity-seekers have since settled into a zero-gravity chaise lounge in the cool, dimly lit salt cave to breathe in the mineralrich air. Guests can also opt for Reiki and massage treatments, sound healing, foot soaks, or time in the infrared sauna. vtsaltcaves.com

DINING

BREAD BAKERY

Boule Bakery, St. Johnsbury

It pays to drop in early to this corner bakery before their sourdough breads, baguettes, and croissants sell out, which they often do. If so, sourdough cardamom buns, cinnamon knots, or espresso shortbread cookies make worthy consolation prizes. The superlative baked goods are not the only draw, though; breakfasts and lunches here are elevated by small gestures, such as house-made syrups for coffee (using beans from a West Burke roastery) and house mayo on sandwiches. Laptop warriors can linger at the rustic wooden counter while watching passersby. boulebakery.com

BREAKFAST SPOT

The Grey Jay, Burlington Flavors like sesame, harissa, and zhoug set apart this intimate downtown brunch (sister restaurant to Honey Road), as do accents such as Moroccan tile and lamps. The Middle Eastern–inspired plates run from the burbling shakshouka to biscuits threaded with Halloumi cheese and tahini French toast. The 30-seat space fills quickly, so plan on a wait—unless you land on a weekday morning when Motown is spinning, northern light spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the smell of bacon wafts from the kitchen. greyjayvt.com

BURGER

Brownsville Butcher & Pantry, Brownsville

When Lauren Stevens and chef Peter Varkonyi renovated this long-standing general store in 2018, they kept the lunch counter but added a whole-animal butchery. That’s where local beef is ground and shaped for The Standard, a richly marbled six-ounce patty sheathed in melted American cheese, a tangy secret sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles on a locally baked brioche bun. While many of the excellent burgers around the state ring in above $20, The Standard remains a steady $12, drawing a lively stream of locals,

mountain bikers, and random passersby every lunchtime. butcherandpantry.com

COFFEE SHOP

Blank Page Café, Shelburne

There’s off the beaten path, and then there’s really off the beaten path. So it is for this rustic café tucked into the farm store at Shelburne’s Bread & Butter Farm. The house specialty, butter coffee, pairs beans from Brio Coffeeworks with melting pats of grass-fed butter sourced from a nearby dairy farm. The hiss of the espresso machine might also promise a maple latte or café au lait as you browse for greens, eggs, squash, preserves, or bread on the store’s shelves. All baked goods— from vanilla bean pound cake to doublechocolate zucchini bread and fresh-baked muffins—are gluten-free. There’s no indoor seating, but the grounds invite fair-weather wandering. blankpagecafe.com

CRAFT CIDERY

Fable Farm Fermentory, Barnard

To call Fable Farm a cidery wouldn’t entirely be accurate, at least not for the collective that produces an array of fruit wines at the historic Clark Farm. The crew here presses and wildferments apple, pear, and grape wines that are distinctive for their co-ferments and earthy, sometimes herbal notes. Fable Farm’s wines and ciders are distributed as far as California, but those who trek into the hills of Barnard can sample them in flights inside the handhewn tasting barn (open on Saturdays from May to December) or during one of the farm’s epic Thursday night parties, dubbed Feast & Field. fablefarmfermentory.com

ITALIAN

Gallus Handcrafted Pasta, Waterbury

Vermont’s farm-forward ethos meets Italian tradition inside this two-year-old restaurant. Here, noodles are hand-extruded daily to showcase both local and imported veggies, herbs, shellfish, meats, and cheeses. The menu is succinct but intentional: Think ruffled campanelle tumbled in pesto or supple bucatini with house meatballs, plus a few starters and larger plates as bookends. Guests dine in the brick-lined, candlelit depths of this former grist mill (the original home of sister restaurant Hen of the Wood) where the clang and steam of the tiny open kitchen are as intoxicating as the house Negroni. gallushandcrafted.com

VERMONT INN to INN WALKING TOUR

The “Vermont Inn-to-Inn Walking Tour” is a four-day, selfguided walk averaging 10 miles a day, mainly through old country roads of gravel and through the villages of Chester, Weston, Proctorsville, and Ludlow. The four historic inns— CoHo Inn & Motor Lodge, Inn Victoria, Golden Stage Inn, and The Governor’s Inn—are linked by their owners’ shared love of Vermont and a commitment to their under-the-radar walking tour. The oldest and longest running tour of its kind in the state, Vermont Inn-to-Inn Walking Tour is well established and focused on guest safety and comfort.

It’s simple and efficient. The innkeepers transport your bags door to door, Vermont sherpa-style; greet you at the end of

your day with refreshments and a home-cooked meal; and, in the morning, send you on your way with a hearty breakfast, snacks for the road, a map of your walking route, and best wishes for a pleasant day. It’s a large circle divided by four inns; you end up back at the same inn you started at four days earlier. A final feature that sets this tour apart from so many others? You’re on your own, so you can set your own pace. Walk alone or with friends; do as much or as little of the walk as you like. Basically, the tour is as idiosyncratic as the state in which you’re walking. Join us from early May through the end of October.

833-Inn-2-Inn (833-466-2466) www.VermontInntoInnWalking.com

PART 1: (13 miles) INN VICTORIA TO GOLDEN STAGE INN

INN VICTORIA 321 Main St., Chester, VT 802-875-4288 InnVictoria.com PART 2: (10.7 miles) GOLDEN STAGE INN TO THE GOVERNOR’S INN

GOLDEN STAGE INN 399 Depot St., Proctorsville, VT 802-226-7744 GoldenStageInn.com

PART 3: (6 7 miles) THE GOVERNOR’S INN TO COHO INN & MOTOR LODGE

THE GOVERNOR’S INN 86 Main St., Ludlow, VT 802-228-8830 TheGovernorsInn.com

PART 4: (11.8 miles) COHO INN & MOTOR LODGE TO INN VICTORIA

COHO INN & MOTOR LODGE 287 Route 100, Weston, VT 802-824-6286 CoHoInn.com

“It’s a meditative walk. Long before the village of Chester appears and I’ve come full circle, I realize that my life has become breathtakingly simple in the last few days. I walk; I look at wildflowers; I avoid poison ivy; I take a deep breath and listen to nature singing; I wonder what’s up ahead; I try to remember to look back from time to time. Occasionally I hum–and then try to get the song out of my head.

“And then I take another step.

The most joyful weekend of the summer is coming July 31 with Burlington City Arts’ 18th Annual Festival of Fools on the Church Street Marketplace! Burlington comes alive with stupendous street performers, exciting entertainers, and magnificent musicians—all part of a FREE, all-ages celebration you won’t want to miss.

This renovated farmhouse-style B&B is in the heart of Woodstock. Stroll downtown through the covered bridge, hike the nearby national park, visit Billings Farm & Museum or the Quechee Gorge, and enjoy walking to dinner each night. Guests rave about the breakfast in bed!

Where world-class theater meets Vermont charm. Weston Theater Company celebrates 90 unforgettable seasons with two iconic musicals. Feel the raw power of Ring of Fire, a tribute to The Man in Black, and experience the defiant joy of Rent, the show that became a pop-culture phenomenon. Make it a summer to remember.

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This northern Vermont resort o ers perfect relaxation. Its new Day Spa o ers massages, manipedis, esthetic treatments, sauna, hot tub, and relaxation rooms. Fido can enjoy custom dog beds, free walks, treats, and curling up in front of a gas-log fireplace.

Have an immersive experience with history at our whole-house overnight vacation rentals, including Rudyard Kipling’s 1892 Naulakha estate, 1895 Carriage House, or 1896 Stable, an 1849 farmhouse overlooking our heirloom apple orchard, and a charming 1915 sugarhouse. Your stay supports the preservation of these historic places

Visit Stratton Mountain, where everything you love about summer is right outside your door. Enjoy scenic lift rides to the summit of southern Vermont’s tallest peak, 27 holes of championship golf, hiking, mountain biking, music, village dining, and more with special lodging o ers.

The idyllic Vermont retreat for couples, families, and adventurers. Enjoy cozy log cabins, luxury homes, mountain views, on-site spa services, endless trails, a private outdoor pool and pond, wedding and event spaces, and connection with nature

Nestled in the Green Mountains, the inn o ers the peace and magic of the mountains with easy access to Brandon and Middlebury. Our meals and activities are guided by the seasons; come experience Vermont’s authenticity and our genuine hospitality.

Tour the Lincoln family’s Georgian Revival mansion, built by presidential son Robert Lincoln in 1905. Step out into the European parterre-style garden, designed to resemble a stained-glass window, where the fragrance of our heirloom peonies fills the air.

Perfectly situated on 700 acres, Mountain Top Resort o ers luxury lodge rooms, cabins and guesthouses, indoor/outdoor restaurant and tavern, pool, lake, private beach, horseback riding, 60km of trails, skiing/snowshoeing, sleigh rides, spa, spectacular views, and so much more!

Your home away from home for northern New England’s many attractions. Tucked in the center of historic St. Johnsbury, VT, this Victorian Colonial Revival home is a short walk to churches, museums, and downtown shopping. Enjoy our comfortable rooms and amazing breakfasts!

Montpelier’s illuminated downtown bridges turn an evening stroll into something unforgettable. Follow the lights and you’ll find local shops, great food, and a close-knit capital city where visitors quickly start to feel like locals and some choose to call the region home.

Nestled in Vermont’s scenic hills, the historic von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort blends Austrian charm with modern luxury. Guests enjoy cozy accommodations, outdoor adventures, gourmet dining, and stunning mountain views—all inspired by the legendary von Trapp family heritage.

Sprawling across two floors and 7,000 square feet, get lost in centuries past. Our Bellows Fall shop is packed with vintage furniture ranging from colonial through Victorian, porcelain and silver tableware, heirloom jewelry, and restoration hardware. The natural history collection includes geodes bursting with color.

Explore New England’s longest rail trail! Bike and e-bike rentals, scenic food, brewery, and foliage tours, plus full trail shuttle service. Choose multi-day rental packages for the complete trail experience and discover the beauty of Vermont by bike.

NEW AMERICAN

SoLo Farm & Table, South Londonderry

Easily one of the top restaurants in the state, SoLo nevertheless has a total lack of pretension. Instead, this homey spot exudes warmth at every turn, from the cat that might greet you outside to the servers, bartender, and host. In the kitchen, chef Wesley Genovart marries the bounty of southern Vermont with French technique for dinners that ping all of the senses. The menu changes constantly: On a chilly night, it might include pork ramen with house-made noodles; at the height of summer, a Technicolor salad or bright gazpacho dressed with radishes, dill, and crispy jamón. solofarmandtable.com

The Yard at The Crooked Ram, Manchester

The synergy between 24-hour-fermented crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil makes for transcendent Margherita pies at The Crooked Ram, while the wood-fired Valoriani oven lends charred edges and oozing middles. Other seasonal pizzas might be topped with Calabrian salumi, spinach-mascarpone fonduta, or simply mushrooms and fontina. Seasonal is the operative word, as these pies are served only in The Yard, a patio behind The Crooked Ram proper that’s open from May to October and usually feels like a garden party. thecrookedramvt.com/the-yard

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

Dining Room at Edson Hill, Stowe

Ski mountains and lakes make for dramatic vistas, sure, but one of the most quietly arresting Vermont views belongs to the Dining Room at Edson Hill. Tucked into a hillside outside Stowe, its dining room and patio look out across the inn’s pond, gardens, and fields to the foothills of the Green Mountains. The scene shifts from deep greens to reds and ochres to snowy white, depending on season, but the maple margaritas and coal-fired rib eye steaks remain constant. Reservations required during most times of year. edsonhill.com

TAQUERIA

El Comal Mexican Cuisine, Williston

The dining room at El Comal may be barebones, but the regional Oaxacan dishes served

here are rich with color and flourish: soulwarming chicken pozole; dainty, triangular tetelas stuffed with black beans; chicken mole accented with raisins and sesame; and luscious sirloin tacos served on blue-corn tortillas. The kitchen pours its heart into the details, handpressing their own tortillas, crushing salsa in a mortar and pestle, and slow-cooking beans in traditional stone vessels, or ollas , until they’re smoky and silken. elcomalwillistonvt.com

LODGING

AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT

Mad River Lodge, Waitsfield

This renovated barn blends minimalist design with understated comfort across its apartments and studios (some with kitchens, all with private bathrooms) for under $200 a night, depending on the season. Amenities are simple—think coffee, laundry facilities, and a breezy common room—but the location is hard to beat: right in the heart of the Mad River Valley, minutes from the Mad River Glen ski area, the village of Waitsfield, and a patchwork of restaurants, breweries, trails, and swimming holes. madriverlodge.com

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Twin Farms, Barnard Magical. Special. Life-changing. These are some of the words used to describe

this all-inclusive, five-star getaway in the Barnard hills. Every guest’s whim is met, whether it’s a sudden urge to try ice fishing or a craving for a midnight snack. Rooms in the Main House (once home to Sinclair Lewis) feature soaking tubs, fireplaces, and original artwork. Elsewhere on the 300-acre property, multilevel cottages, lodges, and eight treehouses offer even more privacy. Guests can commandeer one of the inn’s Volvo hybrids to explore nearby towns and countryside, then return “home” for a massage or languorous farm-to-table dinner in the award-winning restaurant, helmed by chef Nathan Rich. twinfarms.com

NEW HOTEL

The Weston, Weston

This white colonial facade looks modest enough from the street, but inside, The Weston is a meticulously crafted retreat. Eight rooms and suites, split among the main inn, mill building, and carriage house, are adorned with four-poster beds, flickering fireplaces, ornate textiles, and antiques. The Sharps, the same family behind The Carlyle and Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, have brought their city-to-country vision here and created a space guests may never want to leave: The property includes a French bistro, The Left Bank, and a spa with sauna and steam shower. When guests do step outside, Weston’s charms await: The library, local shops, and The Vermont Country Store are a stroll away. thewestonvt.com

ONE-OF-A-KIND RENTAL

Naulakha Stable, Dummerston

In the early 1890s, British author Rudyard Kipling married Brattleboro resident Carrie Balestier, and the couple built a sprawling house on her family’s estate just outside of town. Naulakha is where Kipling wrote The Jungle Book , though a family feud later forced him to flee back to England. More than a century later, the main house and carriage house are protected landmarks and short-term rentals. In early 2026, owner Landmark Trust USA renovated the property’s former stable into a gabled hideaway with space for two, plus a small kitchen, bathroom, and the same valley views Kipling gazed across as he wrote the poem “The Law of the Jungle.” landmarktrustusa.org/rudyard-kiplingsnaulakha

PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL

Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Manchester Village

The Kimpton chain’s sole Vermont property, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, takes dog-friendliness to a new level: It welcomes all pets, “as long as they fit in the elevator.” While that might rule out pet alligators and rhinos, it does mean lots of cats and dogs doze in style inside the hotel’s 86 rooms. No pet deposit is required, and among the creature-friendly amenities are food bowls, leashes, collars, and complimentary poop bags. taconichotel.com/ vermont-boutique-hotels/pet-friendly

READING RETREAT

Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville

An inviting cluster of log cabins in the mountains outside Jeffersonville, Sterling Ridge Resort hosts immersive literary weekends with prominent fiction, nonfiction, and genre authors. Their Friday-to-Sunday “reading retreat bundles” include signed books, welcome snacks, meals with the author, and a closing book swap. Between events, guests can paddle the resort’s pond, get a spa treatment, or explore on-site trails by foot or snowshoe; in nearby Stowe, they can browse Bear Pond Books or the local library. Devoted

readers can curl up year-round in one of the modern-rustic studio cabins—each with a kitchen, gas log stove, porch, and outdoor firepit. sterlingridgeresort.com

ROMANTIC INN

Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford

Among the earliest guests at this atmospheric Colonial inn were those traveling by wagon from Montreal to Boston. Generations later, Rabbit Hill Inn’s sweeping White Mountains views, historic charm, and enveloping hospitality remain. Modern touches grace its 19 rooms and suites—some of which have fourposter beds or whirlpool tubs, almost all with flickering gas fireplaces. A stay here feels like a tranquil escape: After a nearby hike or ski run, guests can warm up with afternoon tea, a puzzle by the parlor fire, or a plate of coq au vin inside the inn’s candlelit restaurant. An adjacent pub, the Snooty Fox, is a cozy spot for a nightcap. rabbithillinn.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

Main + Mountain Bar & Motel, Ludlow

This boutique motel sits in the heart of Ludlow, a walkable mountain town that swarms with Okemo skiers in winter and hikers during summer and fall. Behind its Victorian facade, Main + Mountain’s 13 rooms are sleek and functional, with modern lines, memory-foam mattresses, and mini-fridges. The contactless check-in and casual ethos evoke a guesthouse, making solo travelers feel like locals as they explore Ludlow’s myriad cafés, shops, trails, slopes, and spas. In the evening, the pretty ground-floor bar pours artful cocktails and mocktails that guests sip while swapping stories around the firepits out front. mainandmountain.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors with contributions from Corin Hirsch, a longtime Vermont food writer and the author of Forgotten Drinks of Colonial New England

Unidentified photographer, Untitled [Norman Rockwell painting The Craftsman], ca. 1963. Photograph, 10 x 8 1/8 in. Vermont Granite Museum.2021.74.512 Charitable Foundation The Supported by

BEST FREE FAMILY ATTRACTION:

Troll Trail, East Bay and South County

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM STOP

The Farmer’s Daughter, South Kingstown

Follow the winding brick “road” at this sprawling gardening and gifting mecca. Outdoors, find plants, shrubs, trees, statuaries, and garden ornaments, while greenhouses hold native and unusual annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and houseplants. From summer into late autumn, stroll through pick-your-own flower fields. Fall brings mums and heirloom pumpkins galore, followed by handmade wreaths, ornaments, and farm-grown trees. Be sure to wander through the rustic-chic gift shop sheds, too. thefarmersdaughterri.com

FOOD FESTIVAL

Rhode Island Calamari Festival, Narragansett

Rhode Island is the only state with an official

state appetizer. Back in 2014, state legislators signed a bill granting Rhode Island–style calamari—lightly breaded and fried squid rings and tentacles tossed in butter and garlic and served with hot cherry peppers— the coveted distinction. An average of 22 million pounds of squid are harvested in the Ocean State each year, which is what inspired the town of Narragansett’s chamber of commerce to create a whole festival every September that pays homage to the signature dish with samples from local restaurants. narragansettcoc.com

FREE FAMILY ATTRACTION

Troll Trail, East Bay and South County

With three additions to Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly outdoor installation finished, the Ocean State’s five-figure troll trail is now complete—and with a car and a bit of planning, you can easily cover it all in an afternoon. Start at the secret coastal spot off the East Bay Bike Path in East Providence to

see Mrs. Skipper, one of the newest creations crafted from repurposed wood and natural materials, then hit the road to see four more ogre-activated characters, including Young Boulder of Browning Mill Pond in the Arcadia Management Area, Iver Mudslider of North Kingstown’s Ryan Park, and Erik Rock and Greta Granite in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park. thomasdambo.com/trollmap

FREE SUMMER EVENT

Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration, Bristol

In a town where the road stripes are painted red, white, and blue year-round, the Fourth of July fireworks and parade better be good. Bristol’s Independence Day party dates back to 1785 and is considered the country’s oldest continuous celebration. The town makes the festivities a weeks-long affair—especially this year, for America’s 250th celebration—that draws visitors from around the world for free outdoor concerts, a carnival, and a Fourth of July Ball, followed by the impressive two-part fireworksand-parade finale. fourthofjulybristolri.com

EDITORS’ PICKS: RHODE ISLAND

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

Mishnock Barn, West Greenwich

Line-dancing is serious business at this rural red-sided barn, where leather cowboy boots and Stetson hats are part of the dress code. Sign up for a step-by-step lesson, or show off your time-invested skills on the dance floor, where age-18-plus patrons can two-step and grapevine to the latest country hits. Make sure to bring cash for cover and bring your dancing boots. Yee-haw! mishnockbarn.com

HOME GOODS SHOP

Sayles Livingston Home, Tiverton Jazz up your home at this intimate Tiverton Four Corners shop where interior design mavens peruse heirloom-worthy home decor from local artisans, custom bedding, breezy coastal art, hardy handcrafted furniture, and more. With fresh floral arrangements and a signature candle scent that permeates the two floors of one-of-a-kind goods, the atmosphere inspires designers and clients to dream up different looks for a range of coastal cottages and elaborate estates. sayleslivingstonhome.com

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Olympic Records, Providence

Fox Point is like what Thayer Street used to be like in Providence, lined with quirky independent shops and multicultural restaurants that draw students from Brown University and RISD, far from corporate chains. This record store still reigns on Wickenden Street, where music enthusiasts buy and sell vintage vinyl while sharing epic stories about live shows from way back in the day. Facebook

NEW CULTURAL ATTRACTION

AAPI History Museum, Providence

The first-ever Asian American Pacific Islander history museum in the United States opened in Providence to tell the untold stories of the AAPI community. Exhibits involving images, videos, and audio change periodically to highlight AAPI migration journeys across the diaspora—including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Nepali, and Southeast Asian refugee communities such as Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese Americans. Research and displays cover four

overarching themes, including activism, identity, immigration/migration, and solidarity while amplifying AAPI voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding. aapihistorymuseum.org

DINING

BREAKFAST SPOT

Irregardless, Providence

You’d have to travel down South to have biscuits as good as these. Thankfully, Irregardless co-owner and North Carolina native James Dean brought his grandmother’s recipe up north for sharing. The tiny corner nook’s kitchen works with the same flour Dean’s family used down South, bringing it up to Providence by the truckload. These buttery, crisp biscuits are the base for spectacular bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, including the favorite, Howard’s Biscuit, with extra-thick maple-and-pepperglazed bacon. irregardlesspvd.com

BURGER

There, There, Providence

There’s no ego involved with the Dream Burger, which stars two stacked smash patties with USA cheese on a sesame-seed-studded bun edged with patty sauce and onion jam. But the Oklahoma is all about showing off with a crown of griddled onions, sweet

mustard, and pickles. When locals need a lift, There, There’s burgers are like a full-body hug wrapped in a comfort food fix. Add a side of house fries or the signature buttery Central New York Salt potatoes for the full embrace. theretherepvd.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coastal Roasters, Tiverton

While many coffee shops obsess over creating the latest viral latte and quirky Wi-Fi passwords, Coastal Roasters sticks to its beans. The eclectic respite has been hand-roasting its own coffee beans since 2002, serving specialty, organic, and fairtrade blends. The line might stretch out the door from the standing-room-only shop, but guests can soak up waterfront views at picnic tables and colorful Adirondack chairs, brew in hand. coastalroasterscoffee.square.site

CRAFT CIDERY

Sowams Cider Works Company, Warren

Owner Spencer Morris cultivates 40 heirloom, European, and traditional apple varieties at Touisset’s Long Lane Orchard for his handcrafted ciders fermented at his tasting room location. He harvests apples on an idyllic stretch of land where native pollinators are abundant, then grinds the fruit and squeezes the mash using two handcranked, antique rack-and-cloth system presses. Morris depends mostly on natural yeast for fermentation and ages the juice until it’s ready to represent itself as a taste of fall in a glass. sowamsciderworks.com

FRENCH BISTRO

Audette, Newport

Take a trip to Paris in Newport at the new French-inspired bistro, Audette, located alongside the Bouchard Inn. In warmer months, opt for a casual seat on the patio in the charming seasonal side area between Audette and Thames Street Kitchen—called Sarah’s Bar—or go more formal in the white-tablecloth dining room. Audette’s chef de cuisine Jasmine Watson (a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for best emerging chef) interprets a deconstructed Caesar salad with a crisp parmesan topping, along with other classic French dishes like tender escargots with garlic herb butter, rich duck with local beets, roasted onions and verjus, and delicate quenelles de halibut. audettenewport.com

LEISURELY LUNCH

The Carriage House at The Elms, Newport

Live like they did in the Gilded Age with a lavish lunch at the newly restored Carriage House at The Elms. The Preservation Society of Newport County teamed up with Kirby Perkins Construction to transform the gorgeous historic building into a restaurant and café overlooking The Elms’ sprawling gardens and gurgling fountains. Stoneacre Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Newport’s popular Stoneacre Brasserie, supplies the food, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta; beer, wine, and cocktails are also available. It brings “ladies who lunch” to a whole new level of sophistication. newportmansions.org

NEW RESTAURANT

Claudine, Providence

How fitting that this 2026 James Beard

Award semifinalist for best new restaurant is right across the street from the Providence Performing Arts Center, since getting a dinner reservation here is akin to snagging a backstage pass to an exclusive show. Moody lighting sets the stage for an open-kitchen culinary performance led by chef-owners Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell, both alums of Thomas Keller’s Per Se. Costarring in this production are New England’s finest seasonal ingredients, beautifully showcased in an eight-course chef’s tasting menu. claudinepvd.com

PIZZA

Twin’s Pizza, North Providence

The thick Sicilian-style square pizza at Twin’s is well done in more ways than one. Rhode Island natives have been singing the iconic family restaurant’s praises since it was opened more than six decades ago by the same family that runs it today. The crispy-edged pies with caramelized cheese and thick focaccia-like dough can be dotted

with pepperoni curls or peppers and onions. Each pie is best left in the oven for a few extra hot seconds to elevate it from well done to outstanding. twinspizzari.com

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

Coast Guard House, Narragansett

Built in the late 19th century as a station for the United States Life Saving Service—today’s U.S. Coast Guard—this impressive granite edifice designed by architectural icons McKim, Mead & White stands strong against the sometimes tumultuous but mostly gentle surf along Narragansett Beach. Converted into a restaurant in the 1940s, the Coast Guard House is now known for serving impeccably fresh, locally harvested seafood inside its elegant dining room, across sprawling seaside decks, and from a rooftop perch with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. thecoastguardhouse.com

EDITORS’ PICKS: RHODE ISLAND

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Dune Brothers, Providence

The beloved outdoor seafood shack finally has a full restaurant location with a roof over its head. With nautically inspired interior design to match its Rhode Island–sourced seafood theme, the indoor spot with an outdoor patio has all the familiar shack favorites like fish and chips, lobster rolls, and clam cakes and chowder as well as elevated options like brown butter roasted skate with capers and a complete raw bar with oysters, clams, crab claws, and crudo. They also have a fish market out front where you can buy fresh seafood for home cooking, or stop by the two outdoor shacks in Providence and Riverside and the outpost at Track 15 food hall. dunebrothers.com

LODGING

NEW HOTEL

Gardiner House, Newport

This 21-room waterfront hotel in downtown Newport comes equipped with plush rooms and its own top-level restaurant, Flora. Arriving guests are greeted by a curved staircase with a spellbinding mural that is a re-creation of a hand-painted masterpiece by renowned American artist Howard Gardiner Cushing, who is the hotel co-owner’s great-grandfather. (The 1905 original still exists at the family estate, the Ledges in Newport.) The hotel’s handsome yet cozy Studio Bar is decorated with vivid jade green walls, a wood-burning fireplace, velvet and leather seating, and a fine art collection worthy of a museum. gardinerhouse.com

PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL

The Beatrice, Providence

Providence’s The Beatrice has a Pampered Pup Package, through which man’s best friend scores perks like a doggy bed and bowl in the room and a pet treat from a local bakery. Leashed four-legged friends are welcome in public areas, and the hotel’s just a quick jaunt from Grant’s Block dog park on Westminster Street. Human companions soak up luxury accommodations with ideas for other nearby dog-friendly destinations, provided by the compassionate concierge. thebeatrice.com

READING RETREAT

The Brenton Hotel, Newport

Perhaps the only hotel with a resident “booktender” on staff who handpicks a list of good reads each season (available for lending in the lobby), Newport’s Brenton Hotel just launched a Bed, Breakfast & Books package for bibliophiles. It includes daily breakfast for two, a hand-selected book from the booktender’s current selection, and a noon checkout, for those who wish to linger longer on the page. brentonhotel.com

ROMANTIC INN

The Cliffside Inn, Newport

The Cliffside Inn was once a private residence, but each of its 16 rooms have been converted into jewel-toned private hideaways with their own distinctive personalities. Lark Hospitality put its signature design spin on the quarters with quirky wallpapers, colorful prints, and plush fabrics. The Victorian manor, built around 1876, is steps away from Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, where couples can take a romantic stroll followed by a champagne-sipping session at the outdoor firepit or on the deck surrounded by stunning coastline views and stately gardens. larkhotels.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

Alayne White Private Weekend Retreat, Bristol

Take a digital vacation and let Alayne White do all the planning for once. The spa owner and beloved wellness expert will plan every bit of a two-night, threeday escape, customized by a phone call, that includes lodging in White’s private residence or in a nearby Airbnb, most meals, and personalized itineraries for every personality. Travelers who are flying solo can explore the Ocean State’s most beautiful places with built-in relaxation rituals and a little mental and physical therapy in between to restore you back to your best self. alaynewhite.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors with contributions from Jamie Coelho, editor in chief of Rhode Island Monthly and author of the recently published travel guide Rhode Island Food Crawls

ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM STOP

White Gate Farm, East Lyme

Bordered by approximately one mile of weathered stone walls and populated with whitewashed farm buildings and animalfriendly enclosures, this 100-acre working farm provides a glimpse of organic farming in an up-close and friendly environment. White Gate is a year-round marketplace for those seeking locally grown, truly organic produce and meats. There are farm-to-table meals and cooking classes held under tents and in the farm’s outbuildings, while the main farmhouse has been converted into an inn that is rented out for overnight stays. whitegatefarm.net

FREE SUMMER EVENT

International Festival of Arts & Ideas, New Haven

From May through June, the Elm City hosts an extraordinarily diverse and lively arts and culture festival that features all sorts of performances, talks, films, and tours taking place throughout the metropolis. Numerous musical acts from around the world perform on the New Haven Green throughout the festival, while plays, poetry readings, author appearances, art displays, and film screenings are staged at smaller venues. Guided tours, meanwhile, of several of New Haven’s historic, colorful neighborhoods make this a citywide celebration. Visit the festival’s website for times and places of events. artidea.org

FUN SPOT FOR GROWN-UPS

Lime Rock Park, Lakeville

Attention, motorheads: There’s year-round fun to be had at this 1.5-mile serpentine racetrack nestled in the gently rolling hills of northwest Connecticut. Opened in 1957, it is among the nation’s oldest continuously operating road racing venues— Connecticut’s own Paul Newman indulged his passions for speed and competition here for many years—and today on select weekends in spring, summer, and fall, races of all sorts can be enjoyed from the infield or on the bowl-like hillsides surrounding the track. In addition to watching the races, there are opportunities to take your own vehicle for a spin or participate in one

EDITORS’ PICKS: CONNECTICUT

of the many driving classes and amateur competitions. limerock.com

INDIE MUSIC STORE

Redscroll Records, Wallingford

If you’re a fan of vinyl records, this place is your little slice of stereophonic heaven. Redscroll Records resides in a high-ceilinged warehouse that has row after row of tables covered with black plastic milk crates, each crammed full of albums, both used and new. Nearly all musical genres are represented, with a special emphasis on underground music. CDs and 45s line the walls on shelves, and everything throughout the store is clearly labeled and logically organized. redscrollrecords.com

MUSEUM SHOP

Nature’s Art Village, Oakdale

Dinosaur lovers young and old love this place, and its adjacent museum shop is custom-made for paleontologists of all ages and levels of interest. After taking in the 60-acre family fun park with its life-size dinosaur sculptures, enter the six-store annex and head to the Ancient Fossil Shop. There you’ll find hundreds of fossil bits and pieces like dinosaur egg fragments, real dinosaur bones from Utah Valley, Green River formation fossils, and much more for sale in a high-ceilinged room that also showcases several authentic dinosaur skeletons. naturesartvillage.com

RAIL TRAIL

Farmington River Trail, Farmington area

The Farmington River west of Hartford winds its way through some of central Connecticut’s prettiest cities and towns, and the best way to enjoy the region is to take a bike ride or a walk on the approximately 18-mile Farmington River Trail. The mostly paved pathway connects four towns from Farmington to Simsbury and parallels the river over most of its course. Along the way, you’ll catch views of the river, wildlife, historic mills, rapids, and forested stretches. And because there are several parking areas along the trail, riders can do as much or as little exploring as they wish. fchtrail.org

DINING

BREAKFAST SPOT

Pop Over Eatery, Simsbury and Mystic

Popover pastries do indeed top the menu at these two cheery breakfast and lunch spots, one in an upscale Simsbury strip mall and the other in downtown Mystic. Four “overstuffed” versions, like the Protein Pop (eggs, turkey sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and onions) and the corned beef fave, Irish Pop, ensure that you won’t need to order seconds. In addition, there are

breakfast sandwiches and plates, pancakes, waffles, and healthy granola-based bowls. Both locations have deep offerings of coffees, teas, soft drinks, smoothies, and (in Mystic) brunch-appropriate libations. popovereatery.com

BURGER

Liv’s Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook

Who would have thought that one of the top burgers in the state would be found in a shoreline oyster bar? But Liv’s has been surprising carnivores for more than 10 years with its eight-ounce Wagyu burger with bacon and farmhouse cheddar or bleu cheese served on a brioche bun and accompanied by Old Bay French fries, coleslaw, and pickles. If you’ve got room, the oyster sampler plate plays a delicious accompanying role. livsoysterbar.com

COFFEE SHOP

Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord, East Haddam

This colorful café and feline-themed lounge in wooded East Haddam provides respite for visitors to nearby Gillette Castle. Two Wrasslin’ Cats is the creation of a retired molecular biologist who wanted to invent a space for peace, acceptance, tolerance, reflection, good coffee, and good vibes. And boy, does it deliver. The shop serves up a couple of comfortable rooms for lounging, a multicolored outdoor deck, and an admissionby-donation room occupied by several felines basking in dappled sunlight. In addition to the menu of coffee and tea choices, there are several fine breakfast and lunch offerings. Facebook

CRAFT CIDERY

Long View Ciderhouse, Southington

Sipping finely crafted hard ciders and sitting around a firepit while watching the sun set is a superb way to pass time at this central Connecticut farm and cidery. This historic property—the farm dates back to the early 1800s—makes hard ciders and sells them from their seasonal mountaintop cider truck and orchard bar. There are typically a dozen different creations on tap on any given day, while the orchard’s distilled brandies are great for warming body and soul on chilly evenings. Food trucks provide eats, and there is occasional live music. longviewcider.com

EDITORS’ PICKS: CONNECTICUT

DINER

Laurel Diner, Southbury

Just a bit off the main drag in Southbury, you’ll find this modest whitewashed eatery with a dozen or so counter stools and a handful of tables serving breakfasts and lunches that have drawn nationwide praise. Owners Peter and Stephanie Homick took over the diner in 1997, and over the past three decades it’s been a true team effort: Stephanie runs the front of the house, while Peter mans the griddle, where he churns out heavenly corned beef hash, omelets, pancakes, hash browns, burgers, and grilled sandwiches galore. The diner’s grilled cinnamon roll is de rigueur for kids and adults alike. thelaureldiner.com

DOUGHNUTS

Flanders Donut and Bake Shop, East Lyme

When Brooklynites Andy and Ingrid Terracciano founded the bakery in 1972 in tiny East Lyme they didn’t know what to expect. But five decades on, this familyowned shop continues to delight. More than 35 different doughnuts anchor the menu, from a traditional powdered sugar to the loaded chocolate-covered buttercream. Crullers and sticks of various flavors are also fan favorites. The glass cases are stocked throughout the day, though it’s best to arrive early for the most varied selection. flandersbakery.com

ITALIAN

Geppetto, Torrington

BEST BREAKFAST

SPOT: Pop Over Eatery, Mystic and Simsbury

The lure of a more family-friendly life brought Carlo and Michelle Pulixi from New York City to Torrington, where they opened an Old World–themed Italian restaurant in the heart of the city’s downtown a few years ago. Geppetto is modeled on their previous restaurant in Brooklyn and features a rustic dining room, exposed brick walls lined with Italian wine bottles, a lengthy bar, and an elevated back area for larger groups. Menu highlights include roasted chicken livers wrapped in pancetta, gnocchi cacio e pepe, pan-seared halibut, and a choice of prime strip and ribeye steaks. geppettoct.com

NEW AMERICAN

Washington Prime, South Norwalk

Get your modern American food fix at this

fine dining mecca known primarily for its aged steaks and eclectic offerings of seafood, pasta, and small plates. Come hungry. Start with some locally harvested Copps Island oysters on the half shell, then share plates of thick-slab bacon, hot honey calamari, and fig and prosciutto crostini before moving on to Prime’s famous steaks. The dining spaces are as varied as the menu, with slick dining rooms, an intimate bar area, and blissful alfresco drinking and dining on Prime’s spacious, sunny patios. washingtonprimect.com

PIZZA

Modern Apizza, New Haven

New Haven pizza has been getting a lot of attention lately, due primarily to the city’s unique style of charred-crust, brick-oven “apizza” and its big three major purveyors: Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern. Of the three, Modern is the only one that’s still a one-shop, mom-and-pop operation, and pizza aficionados are taking notice. Among the top pizza choices at Modern are the Italian Bomb (three meats, three veggies), the Clams Casino (clams, bacon, red bell pepper), and the deceptively simple, soul-satisfying mozzarella cheese pie. Wash it all down with locally made Foxon Park soda, the beverage of choice here. modernapizza.com

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

Café Flo, Old Lyme

This seasonal lunch spot offers farm-fresh food and drink as well as inspiring views

of a legendary stretch of the Lieutenant River behind Old Lyme’s Florence Griswold Museum. Tables are strung along the museum’s back veranda, overlooking a landscape that was painted hundreds of times by many of the finest early-20thcentury American Impressionist painters. Simple yet elegant soups, salads, and sandwiches play starring roles, along with an enticing list of wines by the glass or bottle, local beers, and seasonal cocktails. florencegriswoldmuseum.org

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

Mystic Fish Camp, Mystic

This new dine-in-the-rough seafood spot in downtown Mystic just might be the future of seafood dining in New England. The brainchild of David and Kathleen Standridge, the forces behind the award-winning Shipwright’s Daughter restaurant, Mystic Fish Camp shines a light on underutilized species such as scup, dogfish, and pollock, which are served at a fraction of the cost of haddock and cod. The restaurant’s Poor Man’s Lobster Roll, meanwhile, is made from monkfish, done up in hot and cold versions, and nearly half the price of a regular lobster roll. mysticfishcamp.com

LODGING GLAMPING

Wild Ride, Sterling

In far eastern Connecticut there’s a wild mustang sanctuary where you can actually camp in style at one of four glamping sites on a 150-acre wooded preserve. While the Wild Ride mustang sanctuary’s primary mission is to train formerly wild horses, guests may interact with the animals as they roam around the grounds. There are three fully furnished glamping geodomes that sleep three to five guests, plus a large geodome that can host as many as 20. Hiking and biking trails and seasonal berry picking offer plenty of daytime action. wildridect.org

LUXURY OVERNIGHT

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield

This lovely old mansion located just off Litchfield’s main street has been

transformed into a high-end inn and spa of sterling quality. Belden House & Mews has spared no expense in creating a one-of-a-kind regal escape for cityweary travelers seeking some quiet time away. Step through the foyer and behold the large, couch-laden living room, the chandeliered library, and the green-hued, window-paneled bar. Most rooms come with four-poster beds and cushy furnishings. And behind the main house you’ll find the Belden’s bathhouse, complete with treatment rooms, a sauna, hot and cold baths, and a sun-dappled outdoor pool for the warmer months. beldenhouse.com

NEW HOTEL

Delamar

Mystic

Standing proudly on the banks of the Mystic River, this twin-gabled hotel, one of the latest in the Delamar Hotel Collection, takes full advantage of its waterfront location. Each room and public space has gorgeous views of the river as it flows by on its way to Long Island Sound. There’s a lovely heated outdoor pool

perched between the hotel’s terrace and boat dock. The Delamar is situated about half a mile upstream from busy Mystic center, serving up easy access to summer fun but also guaranteeing a quieter, more peaceful stay in this charming seaside village. delamar.com

ONE-OF-A-KIND RENTAL

CT Pizza Palace, New Haven

The Elm City has gone pizza-crazy in the past couple of years, hosting the world’s largest pizza party and staging a David vs. Goliath public relations dust-up with neighboring New York City. For visitors who are looking to get the full New Haven apizza experience, consider staying a night or two at this nostalgic Airbnb that is outfitted with vinyl booths, a jukebox, wall-mounted pizza menus, and other pizza-themed decor. Even better: It’s just steps from the famed Modern Apizza and an easy walk to legendary Wooster Square, home to Sally’s and Frank Pepe’s pizzerias. airbnb.com

SOLO-TRAVEL ESCAPE

The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich

This renowned inn and spa, located in the quiet recesses of eastern Connecticut, offers plenty for solo travelers who wish to unwind in privacy or engage in group activities with fellow lodgers. The spa features an array of options, from massages and facials to saunas and yoga classes. Other activities of interest include afternoon teas, happy hours, weekly trivia nights, and a wide range of dining options, from Ascot’s Pub to the Spa Juice Bar to the more formal Kensington’s Restaurant. Meanwhile, shuttles ferry guests to nearby attractions like Mohegan Sun Casino, Mystic Seaport, and Mystic Aquarium. thespaatnorwichinn.com

Honorees were selected by Yankee editors led by travel and branded content editor Kim Knox Beckius, with contributions from Mike Urban, author of six books on New England cuisine and frequent contributor to NewEngland.com.

Learning Potential

A dozen ideas for education vacations that let you bring home savvy instead of just souvenirs.

BY COURTNEY HOLLANDS

There’s nothing wrong with a summer vacation that simply leaves you with tan lines and ice cream fatigue. But what if you could walk away with fresh skills and a new—or renewed—passion for boatbuilding, weaving, running, or sustainability? If that sounds like your kind of souvenir, check out these immersive New England trips that double as learning opportunities (most with room, board, and relaxation to boot). The answer to the age-old question— summer? —is about to become so much cooler.

1. GO HOG-WILD FOR BIRDS ON A MAINE ISLAND. Bird-watching novices and fanatics alike will bliss out at Hog Islandin Muscongus Bay, home to a rustic, 90-year-old Camp and more than 200 bird species, including nesting puffins at nearby Eastern Egg Rock. Camps run from late May to mid-September—and while you can rack up bird sightings during a stay in this special place, it also provides a chance to disconnect, decompress, and really tune into nature that starts with the pontoon ride over from the mainland. Take the “Mindful Birding” session, for one, which features yoga, journaling, and forest bathing (8/30–9/4). Can’t you just feel the stress winging away?

2. FIND YOUR WHEY IN THE WORLD OF CHEESEMAKING.

Vermont—a small state with an outsize impact

on the U.S. artisan cheese scene—to try crafting wheels and wedges? You’ll be in good, experienced hands in a workshop at Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, winner of three 2025 American Cheese Society awards. Learn about different milks, equipment, and aging techniques as you help produce feta, Gouda, or maybe a Manchego style—depending on the workshop—and then collect tips and recipes to continue your turophile journey. Other educational opportunities on offer during a stay in one of the farm’s five well-appointed cabins include sourdough bread classes, morning farm chores, and garden tours. fatsheepfarmvermont.com

3. DANCE A JIG OR SING FOLK BALLADS IN THE FOREST. In 1925, prominent philanthropist Helen Storrow (Boston’s Storrow Drive is named after her husband, James) built a pavilion and new cabins and hosted the English Folk Dance Society’s school on the 40 wooded acres she owned along Long Pond

in Plymouth, Massachusetts. More than a century later, her Pinewoods Camp —now on the National Register of Historic Places—is still the site of joyful, nonprofit-run dance and music sessions June through early September. During a weeklong or weekend stay in rustic cabins, you might try contra or folk dancing, pub singing, Scottish reeling, or tango, followed by a communitywide shindig beneath the stars in the evening. New this summer is the Country Dance & Song Society’s SEA session, featuring songs and English and American dance inspired by the ocean (8/13–8/17). pinewoods.org

4. SPIN, KNIT, AND WEAVE IN A HISTORIC TEXTILE TOWN. The village of Harrisville, New Hampshire, named a National Historic Landmark in 1977, is among the best-preserved industrial communities in the country. Drawing on this centuries-old textile tradition, Harrisville Designs manufactures

woolen yarn, wooden floor looms, and weaving kits for kids. You can put all these American-made products to good use in a multiday spinning, knitting, or weaving workshop (the beginning weaving and Navajo weaving series are popular) held in the Harrisville Designs studio. After class, students can retire to the circa-1853 Cheshire Mills Boarding House: With six bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen, it’s an economical and period-perfect stay. harrisville.com

5. MAKE YOUR OWN SKERRY OR WHERRY… It’s all boats, all the time at the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine, which began in 1981 as an extension of WoodenBoat

magazine. While classes include construction fundamentals and core skills, of course, you can also fashion your own vessel from a kit with expert instruction (the ultimate souvenir) or choose from more esoteric but equally nautical classes such as naming and lettering boats and making a ship-in-a-bottle. Sleep on campus in accommodations ranging from campsites and cabins to single and double rooms with shared bathrooms, and spend any downtime cruising around Eggemoggin Reach in a yawl, skiff, or sloop—just a few of the 30-plus handsome crafts in the school’s fleet. thewoodenboatschool.com

6. …OR LEARN TO SAIL ABOARD AN ALREADY-BUILT CUTTER-RIGGED SLOOP. Talk about jumping in the deep end: Sailors of all levels can sharpen their seafaring skills in a multiday live-aboard cruise with Morse Alpha Expeditions of Rockland, Maine. Passengers (up to five per expedition) participate in the daily duties that keep the

Rocinante afloat, from cooking meals to changing sails, and learn about anchor techniques, knots, tides, and more, all while navigating heavily trafficked coastal Maine waters in unpredictable weather. At night, you’ll sleep below deck in cozy bunks—unless it’s your turn to keep watch, that is. morsealpha.com

7. FLY-FISH A LEGENDARY RIVER WITH ORVIS-ENDORSED PROS. Abundant brown and brook trout coupled with majestic mountain scenery make the Battenkill River a true angler’s paradise. Get up close and personal with this freestone waterway—literally wade in it— with a customizable “Stay and Fish” package at the riverside resort Hill Farm in Sunderland, Vermont. You can learn the basics in a private fly-fishing lesson or up your castand-reel game with a half- or full-day excursion led by Orvis Manchester Fly Fishing School–endorsed pros. And whether you catch anything or not, rest assured that river trout is often on the menu at the resort’s restaurant. hillfarminn.com

8. TAKE UP THE GAUNTLET AND TRY YOUR HAND AT FALCONRY. Did you know that a Harris’s hawk has rounded wings and hunts in groups? Or that they engage in a rare practice called “back standing,” in which they perch atop each other? Don a glove, then handle, fly, and get to know these fascinating birds of prey in a New England Falconry–led class at Vermont’s Woodstock Inn & Resort , which also offers an owl experience (meet a barn owl, a burrowing owl, and a Eurasian eagle owl, oh my!). And birding is just one of the inn’s “Passion Pursuit” programs—book golf and pickleball lessons, tours and tastings at the on-site Kelly Way Gardens, fly-fishing excursions, and more. woodstockinn.com

9. SAMPLE THE OCEAN’S BOUNTY IN A CLASSIC MAINE FISHING VILLAGE. For a true taste of place, head to Phippsburg’s West Point to

company founder and Oyster Master Guild–certified specialist Virginia Shaffer leads a serious bivalve tasting—we’re talking flavor wheels and slurping etiquette—before breaking for lobster rolls made by Maine Oyster Company with meat from neighboring Small Point Fisheries. The afternoon ends with a sunset cruise to an oyster farm, complete with shucking lessons, an aquaculture Q&A, and possible seal sightings. To make a weekend out of it, book the nearby Maine Oyster Company–owned So’Wester cottage. Hungry for more? Look for Lady

10. TAKE YOUR FAMILY BACK TO THE LAND—LITERALLY. Do more than unplug this summer. Families can slow things way down with a threeor five-day “sustainability stay” at Maine Local Living School in the tiny inland town of Temple. Choose from a long list of skill-building activities and lessons—make fruit leather via solar food dehydration, sharpen tools, identify trees, and more—to create a personalized itinerary, which also includes time to swim, hike, and wildharvest food to cook over a fire. After all that, you’ll appreciate the cozy

An ancient textile technique comes to life as a student at Snow Farm in Massachusetts creates a pattern with rice paste before dyeing the fabric in an indigo bath.

sleeping accommodations in canvaswalled tents, thoughtfully stocked with kids’ books and games and flanked by a swing set and composting toilet. Make it an extended-family affair: If your siblings and their spouses and young ’uns want to join, the school can accommodate multiple groups at once. mainelocalliving.org

11. GO WAY BEYOND LANYARDS AT A FINE-CRAFTS CAMP. Repeat visitors call Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program their “happy place,” and for good reason: With four dorms and a kitchen serving farmto-table meals situated on a bucolic, 50-acre refurbished dairy farm in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, it’s the ideal setting to unleash your creative spirit. And whatever you’re into, this crafty retreat likely has a course for it, from metalsmithing and paper marbling to ceramics and mobile-making. The instructors are well-known working artists, and with small class sizes—six to 10 students— you’ll get plenty of hands-on attention as you paint/sculpt/shape your masterpiece. snowfarm.org

12. TAKE YOUR RUNNING TO NEW HEIGHTS IN THE GREEN

MOUNTAINS. Relive the camaraderie and calf stretches of high school cross-country at Craftsbury Outdoor Center ’s adult running camps, each offering a week of intervals, crosstraining, coaching, and sweaty togetherness that culminates in the sunrise ridge run. On this otherworldly 10-mile loop, you and your newfound running besties will chug up and down Vermont’s rolling hills past fields and forests as the morning fog lifts from the valleys. And Craftsbury isn’t kidding when it says “we recover as hard as we run” in its Campifesto: Noncardio activities include massages, lake swims, even field trips—and naps are always encouraged. craftsbury.com

These are Masonicare moments.

Sunlit mornings. Laughter-filled afternoons. Evenings alive with connection. These are the moments that matter.

From all-inclusive living to fully customizable lifestyles, Masonicare turns possibility into promise.

Shine on.

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Shack Mix

(Continued from p. 40)

the meantime, bread the clams while keeping an eye on the oil, adjusting the heat accordingly.

To bread, whisk together the corn flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. Pour the evaporated milk into a second bowl, and add a handful of clams. Gently toss to coat, then transfer the clams to the corn flour mix and gently toss until coated.

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The perfect retirement awaits.

RECIPE BONUS: Inspired by the excellent chowders, fried clams, and stu es I tasted in seafood shacks from Connecticut to Maine, I adapted three classic recipes from Yankee’s archives so you can enjoy these same foods at home. Personally, I think seafood shack fare tastes great any time of the year, but especially in summer, it can o er a true taste of vacationing on the New England coast.

Note: We always try to be mindful of the fact that half of our readers live outside of New England (looking at you, Ohio and California!), so if you can’t nd what you need at the local market, know that frozen chopped New England clam meat is easy to order online, as are frozen whole belly clams. —Amy Traverso

FRIED CLAMS

Add the clams to the hot oil and cook until they are golden in color and the initial noisy sizzling quiets down, 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or other strainer to transfer them to the lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you fry the rest of the clams. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and some tartar sauce. Yields 4 appetizer-size servings.

CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER

This is a delicious, very New Englandy take on chowder. No additional seasonings, just pure clam flavor. We do use bacon instead of salt pork because it’s much easier to source. And if you don’t like using flour as a thickener, feel free to leave it out.

CEO Steve Woodman of Woodman’s of Essex in Massachusetts convinced us of the superiority of using corn flour and evaporated milk for the breading— one lends crunch, the other sweetness. Shucked clams are quite pricey, but for a special occasion, this recipe will make good use of the precious meat.

Vegetable oil, for frying

2 cups corn flour

1 teaspoon fine kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¹⁄ 8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk

1 pound shucked whole belly steamer clams

Lemon juice and tartar sauce, for garnish

Preheat your oven to 180°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Fill a 3- or 4-quart pot about halfway with vegetable oil. Set pot over medium heat and bring oil to a temperature of 350°F to 375°F (an instant-read thermometer really helps here). This will take a few minutes. In

3 strips thick-cut bacon ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter

1 large onion, cut into ¼-inch cubes

2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes

½ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups bottled clam juice, divided

1 pound chopped fresh clam meat, with juices

3 cups light cream

1 teaspoon white pepper Kosher salt, to taste

Set a 4-to-6-quart pot over mediumlow heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the fat in the pot, and crumble into small pieces; set aside.

Add the butter and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Return the bacon to the pot and stir. Reduce the heat to low and cook,

stirring occasionally, while you cook the potatoes.

In a 2- or 3-quart pot, cover the cubed potatoes by 2 inches with cold salted water, then bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Turning back to the onion-bacon mixture, increase the heat to mediumlow. Add the flour gradually, stirring continuously; a thick paste will form. Stir and cook the paste for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and slowly add the bottled clam juice, 1 cup at a time, stirring well before adding each additional cup.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the potatoes and clam meat with its juices. Keep stirring until the clams are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cream slowly; then stir in the white pepper and salt. Serve hot. Yields 8 to 10 servings.

STUFFED QUAHOGS (“STUFFIES”)

Quahogs come in many sizes, from petite littlenecks (1.5 to 2 inches) to midsize cherrystones (2 to 3 inches) to the largest “chowder” quahogs (3 to 5 inches), which is what we use here. You can certainly make stuffies with your own toasted bread cubes, but since this is already a fairly involved dish, we’re happy to use stuffing mix as a shortcut.

10 whole quahogs, shells washed to remove dirt

1 package (12 ounces) herbflavored stuffing mix, such as Bell’s or Pepperidge Farm

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter

1/2 pound cooked chouriço, linguica, or chorizo sausage, diced

1 large onion, diced

1 large red pepper, diced

11/2 cups diced celery

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, minced

Fill a large Dutch oven with enough water to measure 1 inch deep. Bring

water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quahogs and cook, covered but stirring occasionally, until they open, 8 to 12 minutes. Use tongs to remove the clams from the water as they open and set them aside to cool. (Discard any clams that fail to open.) Reserve the cooking liquid.

Shuck the quahog meat (saving the shells) and roughly chop. Set aside. Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package directions. Set aside. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and chouriço (or other sausage) and cook until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the

onion, red pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add the Old Bay, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and reserved quahog liquid. Continue to cook until the mixture has reduced and most of the liquid is gone. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the prepared stuffing, sausage-vegetable mixture, chopped quahogs, and fresh parsley. Fill each half shell with the stuffing and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. Bake at 350°F until stuffing browns on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Yields 20 stuffies.

It’s a Mod, Mod World

(Continued from p. 50)

sleek mustard-colored sectional. Walls of windows, naturally, steal the show. thetrustees.org

The Glass House

New Canaan, CT

Invisible from the road, Philip Johnson’s Glass House appears as a translucent structure hovering over the landscape. Known for its innovative use of materials like glass, brick, and black-painted steel, this iconic home was inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s modernist Farnsworth House in Illinois, which also blurs indoor and outdoor spaces. The Glass House itself was finished in 1949, but the property grew to include a total of 14 buildings across 49 acres by 1995. Johnson’s original structure brought into the mainstream the International style, a term for the 1930s architectural movement that serves as a foundation for MCM design. theglasshouse.org

Gropius House

Lincoln, MA

Built in 1938, the Gropius House is not technically a midcentury modern home, but it has an even better provenance. Designed by Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus school—a German art school that

fused sleek profiles and sculptural contours with mass production—this International-style house stands as a precursor to what midcentury modern design would become, with its curving chrome banisters, walls of glass blocks, and other markers of practical, unornamented design. gropius.house

WHERE TO STAY

Bluebird Dennisport

Dennis Port, MA

The best-preserved element of this midcentury motel? Delightfully ’50s pink t iles in the bathrooms. Wood paneling and modern art add to its appeal, as does the sprawling pool area surrounded by sunny yellow umbrellas dripping with tassel fringes. And it’s all a stone’s throw from Dennis Port’s most timeless draw: the beach. bluebirdhotels.com

The Hotel Salem

Salem, MA

The geometric prints and bold colors of the ’60s are on full display at The Hotel Salem, a 44-room boutique hotel with MCM decor at every turn. Think: sofas with low profiles and sleek cushions, bathroom vanities with tapered teak legs, and Danish-inspired bureaus and desks. larkhotels.com

The Nevada York, ME

Thanks to a recent renovation by new owners Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar,

this waterfront motel’s 1951 allure lives on. Curving rooflines recall the ship it was named after, the USS Nevada , while pops of bright aqua-green and a new tiki bar solidify its retro status. The ocean views don’t hurt, either. thenevadahotel.com

Rye Motor Inn

Rye, NH

It may not have begun as a “premier oceanfront micro-resort,” but the circa-1956 Rye Motor Inn deftly mixes modern comforts with its vintage charm. A 2021 renovation preserved the architecture of the place while incorporating new details like retrostyle Smeg refrigerators. The lightup sign out front is modeled after the original, to boot. ryemotorinn.com

The Springs Motel

New Ashford, MA

A seafoam-green lounge with cathedral ceilings, a pool surrounded by classic aluminum lawn chairs, rooms with Eames-inspired shell chairs, and an original sign on the chimney’s facade make up this delightfully funky getaway in the Berkshires. A short drive from Mount Greylock and Mass MoCA, it’s a throwback to simpler times. springsmotel.co

The Verb Hotel

Boston, MA

Originally designed with modernist sensibilities by architects Irving Salsberg and Ralph Leblanc in 1959, the former Fenway Motor Hotel blossomed into the present-day Verb Hotel in 2014. It retains all the hallmarks of a midcentury motor lodge—courtyard pool, sleek angles and lines—with playful additions like record players in all 93 rooms and Mondrian-style walls of colorful glass. theverbhotel.com

WHERE TO EAT

Five Corners Bistro & Craft Bar

Farmington, CT

The vaulted ceilings and spherical pendant lamps in this New American restaurant recall the airy feeling of a ’60s deck house—with a vibrant twist. Blocky, geometric

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murals serve as a backdrop to dishes like PB&J foie gras and cider-brined pork chops with sweet potato hash. fivecornersbistro.com

Ocotillo

Portland, ME

Tuck into a top-notch Tex-Mex brunch—tender brisket tacos or potato-and-cheese enchiladas suizas, perhaps?—surrounded by salmoncolored walls, a colorful curving bar, velvety maroon booths, and blond wood accents. ocotillo.me

The Silver Fork

Manchester, VT

Co-owner Melody French describes her restaurant, nestled inside a former library, as “a rich layer cake of local community and literary history with a sweet midcentury modern ganache.” The ganache in question? Deep-blue low-profile sofas, sleek armchairs, and plenty of color. thesilverforkvt.com

Stoked Pizza Company Cambridge, MA

Maybe Stoked’s wood-fired pizzas don’t scream “retro,” but their tiki cocktails sure do. Enjoy both within the wood-paneled walls of the Cambridge location, complete with blushcolored booths and the kinds of curving wood chairs you might see on a ’60s TV show. stokedpizzaco.com

WHERE TO SHOP

Boston MidCentury Modern

Norwood, MA

In search of the perfect modern credenza? Stop by Boston MidCentury Modern in Norwood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays to ogle one of the region’s largest suppliers of original midcentury furniture. Behold a wall of teak chairs piled high, in addition to desks, dressers, headboards, and more. bostonmcm.com

Emma’s Back Porch

Cranston, RI

Need a set of tulip chairs to go with your table? Try this shop for modern seating, side tables, nightstands, and decor, not to mention clothes and accessories. And nestled among the shelves of vintage

stemware and kitchen goods are colorful Pyrex and Fiestaware. Facebook

Just L Modern Antiques

Littleton, NH

Steps from the delights of Chutters’s candy counter is a store with another kind of candy: eye candy. This gem of an antiques shop specializes in MCM and “intriguing” items” like Danish teak furniture and one-of-a-kind oil paintings. midmodliving.com

Portland Flea-for-All

Portland, ME

Although there’s more than midcentury for sale at this sprawling marketplace on Congress Street, modern antiques is where the place really shines. Sofas, settees, and vanities are all fair game, as are bold lamps and original artwork. portlandfleaforall.com

Ramble Market

Waltham, MA

You could spend all day roaming the 10,000 square feet of showroom space at Ramble Market, tucked inside an unassuming industrial warehouse. And you should: It’s filled with treasures from every decade, with midcentury gems leading the pack. On any g iven visit, you might spot an original Bertoia bird chair, a tulip table, and lots of colorful hand-knotted rugs. ramblemarket.com

Refill Vintage

West Hartford, CT

At this colorful shop specializing in ’60s and ’70s pieces, whitewashed brick walls and bold Supergraphic murals in orange, rust, brown, and green complement the hard-to-find treasures: c omplete furniture sets, crushedvelvet armchairs, patterned sofas, and a rare combination bar-coffee table. refillvintage.com

Refind Modern

Charlestown, RI

Those who prefer pieces by the period’s most well-known designers (Charles and Ray Eames, Milo Baughman, and Hans Wegner, to name a few) should head to this shop on the Rhode Island coast. You’re bound to see an Eames lounger and ottoman, plus a Noguchi coffee table or two. refindmodern.com

Reside

Cambridge, MA

Stroll by this Cambridge boutique and you’re likely to spot one of Marcel Breuer’s Wassily chairs in the shop window. Step inside and you’ll see there’s so much more, from housewares and lighting to tapestry, art, and sculptures. resideinc.com

Salvage Modern

Portsmouth, NH

Not only can you stumble upon the midcentury dining set of your dreams in this showroom, but you can get your existing pieces restored there, too. Here, at the only shop on the Seacoast specializing in this style of decor, you’ll find furniture from Knoll, Broyhill, and many more. salvagemodern.com

“For

10 years, Weekends with Yankee has showcased the people and places that make this region extraordinary. Our anniversary season both celebrates and continues that legacy with stories that entertain, surprise, and inspire.”

Brook Holmberg P ublisher, Yankee

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Behind the scenes at Tanglewood with longtime Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart

Revisiting the golden age of auto racing at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park

Indigenous and early American food traditions in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Catching the spirit of Maine’s first professional soccer club, Hearts of Pine

The fine art of clamming on Cape Cod

Day trip to Rhode Island’s lovely Farm Coast

Foliage fireworks in the White Mountains

Visiting Vermont’s King Arthur Baking Company

Diving into food and fun at Maine’s Fryeburg Fair

Learn more about our show and check local listings at WEEKENDSWITHYANKEE.COM