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If you are looking to discover amazing New England hidden gem family-friendly destinations for your 2020 travel, I highly recommend the following gems… Pawtuxet Village, R.I. Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island — the second and third largest cities in Rhode Island, respectively — share one of the most charming,...
This isn’t a post on how to get rich, buy something that will impress others, or equate spending a lot of money with a great vacation. Instead, the focus is on an ancient tradition that seems to get lost in a modern day world of instant conveniences. It’s called...
A 15-minute Swan Boats of Boston ride through the Public Gardens area in Boston, Mass., is a wonderful low-cost spring and summer travel attraction that has taken on a legendary and beloved status for residents and visitors. The timeless joy of riding on a boat with plastic but rather charming-looking large...
Many who choose to wake up early in York, Maine love taking in daybreak at Sohier Park. This coastal gem with free parking is best known as the home of beautiful Nubble Lighthouse. The sunrises at Nubble can be spectacular and I did create a post specifically for that...
Look at that sign in this York Beach, Maine scene: Two ocean beaches and one of the most beautiful, famous lighthouses in the United States. That sign says it all about the fun to be had in this classic New England summer travel destination — which, by the way,...
For a mid-sized town, Norwood, Mass. sure offers an outstanding variety of restaurants. Located about 10 miles southwest of Boston, many locals opt to dine out in Norwood instead of the big city knowing they can get a great meal — often at a reasonable price — and easily...
Summer in York Beach, Maine seems to truly arrive when The Goldenrod reopens for the season, making and selling all that wonderful salt water taffy. Granted that reopening returns in May but our innate New England senses tell us otherwise that summer and The Goldenrod go together hand-in-hand. This...
Something as simple as the rush of a mighty wave can be so mesmerizing and hypnotic. The ocean seems to draw us to these scenes like a magnet. Long Sands Beach appeals to people in many ways. It could be the long stretch of sand, the rocky coast or...
I recently featured a York Beach sunset scene post at the York Beach + New England Cheap Travel Blog but, for today will focus on the opposite end of the day with sunrise at Long Sands Beach. Yes, many of us like to spend our vacations waking up late...
Hartley Mason Park resides just outside York Beach but we just couldn’t resist including this gem of a seaside park in our series 45 Days at York Beach, Maine Leading to Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Located right across from the famous York Harbor Inn, this four-acre Seaside Park affords...
When in Maine eat like the locals do, especially when it comes to Maine lobster. We recently enjoyed twin lobster at a very reasonable price at the Lobster Cove located directly across from Long Sands Beach. The Maine lobster here yielded plenty of tender meat, enhanced, of course, by...
Every April, locals and visitors can witness the one-million plus daffodils blooming in Newport, R.I. as part of the Daffodil Days Festival throughout the city. The million dollar views, however, take place alongside Newport’s Cliff Walk near and at Salve Regina University. It’s like a Rhode Island rite of...
Ahhh, wild Maine blueberry pie and ice cream, the way desserts in Maine should be. Ok, we just did a clever food variation of the Maine state motto, “The way life should be,” but it’s just as powerful and accurate a statement. This dessert from the seasonal Fox’s Lobster...
Nubble Lighthouse in York Beach, Maine ranks amongst the best known and most photographed lighthouses in the United States of America. It’s easy to see why. The exceptionally well-maintained lighthouse features a two-story keeper’s house, a 41-ft. tower rising 88 ft. above the high water mark and several outbuildings...
Many regard the Muffin House Café in Medway, Mass. as serving some of the best muffins in the region but they also know that the breakfast sandwiches rank right up there, as well. This friendly little eatery and take-out place located in a shopping plaza comes up with a...
Heav’nly Donuts is aptly named. This doughnut chain with locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire clearly exceeds the supermarket types and standard doughnut shop versions. What magic they create in the rolling, glazing and hand-cutting process results in doughnuts that rank amongst the best we tried in New England....
If you love to talk about your favorite places to eat and the dishes, desserts and drinks you enjoy most locally, you can send a request to join the Massachusetts Eats Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/massachusettseats. I started Massachusetts Eats last month as a means to talk about, as a...
If driving Route 93 in southern New Hampshire and craving pizza, skip the familiar “20 minutes please” order-taking response and head to a place that can cook pizzas in two minutes. The Common Man Roadside service center on the south and northbound sides of Route 93 in Hooksett has...
Don’t get me wrong, I love the food at the 1761 Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, Mass but there’s just something about the waterfall out front that sticks in the forefront of my travel memories. Many go chasing waterfalls that are big, bold and beyond the norm. I enjoy...
The photos of Walpole, Mass. in this post prove that one does not need to focus solely on tourist destinations to experience the heart and soul of New England travel. Walpole, a southwest suburb of Boston with small town charm, exemplifies scenic beauty in many areas of town that...
As mentioned in our previous story on York Beach, Sohier Park is home to Nubble Lighthouse. Most eyes rightfully turn towards this beautiful lighthouse but look around and you’ll see other memorable coastal scenes as well. One such scenic treasure: the expanse of ocean at sunset with Long Sands...
If you’re tired of the same old restaurant dishes, may I suggest the Scallops Over Bourbon Candied Bacon from the Charred Oak Tavern in Middleboro, Mass.? This dish is every bit as good as it sounds. The seared scallops and crispy bacon with a one-of-a-kind bourbon taste along with...
Today is National Take A Walk In The Park Day! Isn’t it amazing they have a day for everything? I know the Boston area will be experiencing spring-like temperatures today so the outlook for walking in the park and not feeling like you’re not in the frozen tundra is...
I remember it all at Cate Park in Wolfeboro, N.H. despite the visit being several months ago. Foliage leaves resting on manicured bushes, the fresh country air, views of the mountains and crystal clear Lake Winnipesaukee, docks gently jetting out into the water and the trees turning magical autumn colors....
Chicken salad remains a staple for sandwiches and wraps but rarely goes beyond the predictable. Michael’s Deli and Cafe in Wrentham, Mass. has done something about that. Its Willow Tree Thanksgiving sandwich/wrap features a heaping portion of the famous locally-made chicken salad and adds homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce....
Many of us eat scones but sometimes wonder why we do that. Often, these baked goods come across as dry, hard as a hockey puck and beyond the taste of stale bread. Not so with the Ever So Humble Pie Company’s version out of a storefront located in a...
Editor’s note: Always call ahead to these independent bookstores, especially during the stay-at-home alert as business operations have temporarily changed. Sometimes, it’s hard to get a good read on modern bookstores. Now don’t get me wrong, these bookstores generally offer a tremendous selection of books, a clean logical layout,...
Love a beautiful sunset? You should check out Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, R.I. Located on 242-acres, this glorious expression of Mother Nature’s scenic beauty never fails to amaze. Sunsets surely provide one of the main draws of the area. Find some space, walk one of the...
I never prioritized getting New England travel advice from the person trying to sell a destination. Better to discover on your own or hear about special places through your family, friends and neighbors. Here’s the thing: You can even discover the best New England destinations in your own town,...
When thinking of islands, Aruba, Jamaica and all those other tropical places mentioned in that Beach Boys song come to mind. The good news is, you don’t have to travel to a tropical destination to get a taste of island life. Entering New England. What? New England, you mean...
If you are looking for things to do in Boston, Mass., but don’t know where to start, we strongly suggest checking out the Trusted Tours and Attractions Boston page. Trusted Tours and Attractions does a fantastic job offering some of the best Boston tours, attractions, activities and museums at...
Some ice cream places are just outright cold. They claim to sell homemade ice cream, but don’t bother to tell you that it’s shipped in from somewhere else. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, many factories turn out good to excellent ice cream to ship to ice...
Looking to escape the hectic pace of Boston? No worries, you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy some truly beautiful walks near Boston. Some are famous destinations, others barely known. All bring about, however, a feeling of tranquility and the chance to feel like you’re a million...
Major tourist attractions usually require a high admission charge, but the Yankee Candle Village flagship store in South Deerfield, Mass.,has common “scents” not to do that. Sure, you could spend a fortune on candles as there are 200,000 candles and 200 scents at the Candle Emporium department. Yankee Candle...
The Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts receive a lot of travel attention and rightfully so — the mountains, rolling hills, lakes, picture-perfect towns and plenty of culture make for appealing destinations. The Berkshires’ popularity, however, takes away from some other nearby areas that, in their own right, offer peaceful,...
Boston, Mass., tourists are drawn to the bustle of the city, given all its well-preserved history, modern amenities, dining scene, arts and culture and about a million other things. For those that need a temporary escape with lots of green space and water views, however, I recommend visiting Castle...
Booking.com Marginal Way in Oqunquit, Maine is often considered one of New England’s greatest seaside cliff walks. It is definitely one of those “bucket list” New England travel destinations, and here are some of the reasons why… 1. The views Everywhere you look, there’s a spectacular water view. The...
Apples and apple cider are food and drink staples of the New England fall season (and beyond), but let’s not forget about apple cider doughnuts. They are incredibly tasty, filling and don’t cost too much dough. Sorry for that pun. A growing number of farm stands, bakeries, doughnut shops...
There are many ways to get into the New England autumn spirit, but, for me, Hollis, N.H., in southern New Hampshire has always been one of the most colorful leaves amongst fall travel destinations. This small town located just west of Nashua, N.H., offers an instantly appealing rural New...
Hotels in Hampton Beach (HAMPTON BEACH NH – Article updated for 2019) Slices of pizza, fried dough, french fries, Italian Sausage, Italian ice, ice cream, a boardwalk and a fantastic ocean beach… life is good at Hampton Beach, N.H.! Yes, it’s tacky, crowded and lively to the highest exponential...
Cheap Cape Cod hotels can easily be found in vacation towns like Hyannis, West Yarmouth, Dennis Port and Orleans. I did some research for you through Booking.com to find hotel rooms under $150, at this writing, including many summer days. Some key holidays might be higher, but here are some of...
When it comes to Boston, Mass., travel attractions, Fenway Park Tours hits it out of the park. Going on a guided tour at America’s most beloved ballpark to learn about an important part of baseball history is almost as much fun as attending a game! This highly entertaining, affordable one-hour...
Ice cream fans rejoice: the Ben and Jerry’s Factory Ice Cream Tour stands as one of the coolest family attractions in the Stowe, Vermont area. Located in the beautiful town of Waterbury, the Ben and Jerry’s Factory Ice Cream Tour offers a company history “moo-vie,” and a tour of the...
Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point Reservation in the North Shore town of Rockport, Mass., offer some of the finest ocean views in all of Massachusetts. This is simply the type of place you’d be dreaming of seeing when envisioning a New England coastal vacation. Made of 440...
Booking.com Now is a great time to book a room for your New England summer, fall, winter and spring vacations, but with so many online choices which is the best route to choose when looking for great local hotel discounts? Constantly going through this dizzying challenge myself, I decided...
Many years ago, a good friend and co-worker — knowing my love for diners — encouraged me to write a book on diners in New England. I loved the idea, but never got around to creating the book, being so busy for many years with a 110-mile round trip...
Read the Only Book on Town Commons in Massachusetts My first book, Massachusetts Town Greens, takes you on a journey to the best town commons in Massachusetts, and I can hardly wait for you to read it. I created this one-of-a-kind book as a great traveling companion for US...
It’s always nice to take a self-guided free tour of the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vt. where you get to see the process of apple cider being pressed in the press viewing room. What’s more pressing for most, however, is purchasing and then immediately savoring this amazing-tasting...
The thing about the toy department at the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vt., is that the adults seemed to be having as much fun as the kids on a recent visit. Full of retro toys popular before the technology age changed everything, kids of all ages not only...
Looking for affordable Vermont destinations, but not sure they exist? No worries, I have found you some solutions. Sure, the the most popular Vermont destinations can get rather pricey, especially during peak vacation seasons. Fall and summer seem most notorious for that, as many inns and resorts have gone “upscale”...
The one-of-a-kind Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Mass., is a must-see New England travel attraction as this former trolley bridge features 400 ft. of more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs and vines! The best times to see the Bridge of Flowers: the spring when flowers bloom, summer...
While traveling Vermont to reflect, connect and discover, the need to also temporarily put the journey on hold proved necessary as finding a lunch place with a bathroom stop took the forefront. Taking a pause during the Vermont travel experience actually created a deeper pause when entering the Putney General Store...
Have you ever felt that instant connection to the simpler things in life — perhaps like a country farm stand, a sweet smelling apple orchard, a row of vibrantly colored flowers, sitting under the sun on a deck, or even an aromatic cup of coffee? Phantom Farms is that...
Editor’s note: Always call ahead to your desired apple picking destination for the latest PYO status including restrictions due to COVID-19. The 2021 apple picking season is upon us in New England, and what better way to experience this fall treasure than to visit a local farm? Here are...
The Vernon Diner in Vernon, Conn., takes the cake when it comes to offering a tremendous selection of mouthwatering cakes. While some diners make or bring in cake that tastes like it came in from the supermarket, others like the Vernon Diner have a master chef create cakes —...
Like in any other developed town or city in the United States, restaurant owners and managers in quaint, small-town Walpole, Mass., — just 18 miles southwest of Boston — don’t have it easy, often working 60-80 hours or more every week to keep their small, locally-owned businesses surviving in a...
For a small state, Rhode Island sure comes up big-time with mouthwatering food. These local dishes might not be fancy, but sure satisfy the soul with their one-of-kind, locally created cuisine… Rhode Island Clam Chowder Not as thick as New England clam chowder, Rhode Island clam chowder typically is...
Booking.com Seeing some of the most spectacular scenery on the eastern seaboard costs about the price of drive-in movie theater admission, thus making it the “must-see, feel-good New England travel destination” of the spring, summer and fall.” What a tremendous feature attraction! The U.S. National Park Service charges only...
Historic Deerfield Village, Mass., possesses historic authenticity, preservation and an overall appeal that most other New England historical towns cannot match. That’s quite an accomplishment, given the incredible history that resides in the six-state New England region. Incredibly, all the generations seem to love this village. Think about...
If you have just about had it with trendy, overpriced, sterile, pretentious, overcrowded retail and food stores in the Boston area, take a respite from this 21st century overload and travel to quieter New England regions that feature good old-fashioned, traditional country and general stores. Proving that there’s no...
Booking.com Every step of the way in York, Maine, brings special New England travel memories. Ocean beaches, seafood, amusements, salt water taffy, old-fashioned gift shops, a lighthouse, and coastal scenery have that effect. What’s more, visitors always like that you don’t have to drive too far up the Maine...
Motif No. 1, the bright historic red fishing shack in Rockport, Mass., seems to be the biggest fish in the sea when it comes to celebrated American fishing shacks. It’s a true American landmark that people regard as a New England travel icon — right up there with the...
It doesn’t get much nicer than Francis William Bird Park in Walpole, Mass., no matter what time of the year. The 89 acres of rolling parkland features developed large stone pathways as well as clearly marked dirt paths, open fields, three ponds, bubbling brooks, stone bridges, beautiful tree groves,...
Is it just me, or is the The Cliff Walk in Newport, R.I., the best coastal walk in New England? Other than Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine and Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic ocean side stroll at a New England...
Let’s face it, pancakes fall “flat” when it comes to nutrient-dense foods — too many carbs in its refined flour base and way too many with added toppings like powdered sugar and maple syrup. As an occasional treat, however, for those without blood sugar or other health issues that...
If you feel it’s crunch time in figuring out how to travel more cheaply in 2016, then the free, self-guided Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory Tour in Hyannis, Mass., should help chip away at figuring out how to travel more cheaply. Bad puns aside, this is a fun way to see...
Chocolate lovers, your prayers for the most delicious chocolates can be answered by visiting a Cistercian monastery in Wrentham, Mass., that has its own on-site candy making facility. Mt. Saint Mary’s Abbey is not only home to approximately 50 nuns, but also Trappistine Quality Candy. Because monks and nuns strive...
Our past few restaurant experiences have been real train wrecks but not Steaming Tender in Palmer, Mass. We are all aboard with its incredible railroad station restaurant theme, friendly service and excellent food, all based on a first visit. Ideally located just a few minutes off Massachusetts Turnpike (Route...
If you love the New England fall foliage season but would rather “leaf” behind the overwhelming tourist crowds, have no worries. New England offers many less traveled, beautiful autumn destinations that will allow you...
Want to take a pilgrimage to Plymouth, Mass., without making a “pil-grimace” face in regards to the expense of the trip? Well, there’s no need to cry fowl on spending too much money (sorry for the turkey pun). Known as the destination where pilgrims settled in 1621, Plymouth offers...
Rhode Island might be a small state, but it has many big-time free and affordable things to do: 1. Cliff Walk, Newport Walk the 3.5 pathway in Newport with its spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and famous mansions. 117 Memorial Blvd. Tel. (401) 845-5300 2. East Bay Bike...
We have found that expensive admission prices have been on prominent display at many museums recently, so thank goodness there are several in the Boston area that charge very little, if anything at all to enjoy some fine culture (admission prices and museum hours subject to change, always call...
Bristol, RI, often gets lost in the New England travel shuffle. Located halfway between Providence, R.I. and Newport, R.I., travelers tend to either stay in those two cities or drive directly from one to another. While there’s no doubt that Providence and Newport are fabulous travel destinations, it’s a...
Most Vermont downtown districts are so small that with a blink of the eyes, you might bypass that quaint, old-time country store that you’ve wanted to visit for such a long time. In the case of Weston, Vt., you might miss two of these stores. The Vermont Country Store...
Wonderful opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors abound in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. In no particular order, I came up with some amazing, free or low-cost outdoor New England travel and vacation destinations for scenic walks, hikes and places to ride a bike that...
There’s nothing like getting outside on a good New England weather day to enjoy a picnic. It’s even better when the chosen location is full of scenery, peace and quiet. Here are 11 ideal free or low-cost picnic destinations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont:...
The views at World’s End in Hingham, Mass., promise instant memories every step of the way. Everywhere you look, the scenery acts like a greatest hits collection of the best of rural, coastal New England travel. The 251-acres feature tree-lined, well-manicured carriage paths leading to rocky shores, wide hillsides,...
Many New England apple orchard destinations have a short seasonal life, often closing to the public soon after apple picking ends. Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield, Mass., has a different business “core,” staying open year-round. While the fall experience here really embodies the traditional New England autumn spirit with...
Thinking of visiting Concord, Mass., but need to save money as you are on a tight budget? Here are 12 Concord budget travel ideas when visiting this beautiful, historic town best known for its role in the American Revolution: Booking.com Walden Pond The former home of author Henry David...
Many of my Arlington, Mass., elementary school classmates in the 1970s connected loosely with Sweden by listening to ABBA, but I had an even deeper Scandivanian connection close to home by traveling yearly with family to see a fjord just outside Northeast Harbor at Mount Desert Island, Maine. This...
Many travelers are so hell-bent on getting to Cape Cod that they often miss the slices of coastal heaven along the way. Case-in-point: Onset, Mass. Having lived in New England my whole life, I am one of those guilty people that, until recently, missed out on this vastly underrated...
Cape Cod offers some of the best public ocean beaches in New England, with the following earning a spot in our personal Cape Cod Beaches Hall of Fame (in addition to being great cheap travel destinations as you just have to pay for parking): Coast Guard Beach, Eastham...
Booking.com New England has so many great beaches, but my favorite is Short Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine. Framed by rocky coast, magnificent old oceanfront homes, arcades, and a lively, small downtown, Short Sands Beach best captures the essence of summer in New England for us with its...
Park Street Books in Medfield, Mass., is certainly on the best sellers list when it comes to offering children’s books. As the largest children’s book store in New England, Park Street Books experienced an exciting new chapter in its business about five years ago by moving from its long-time...
Some people feel that the Cape Cod island of Nantucket, although an amazing place, is a bit too pricey for the simple traveler or the family who is bit more cost conscious. Today I am here to tell you how to enjoy Nantucket, Mass., a bit more cost-effectively. Let...
Recently, I experienced a day trip I’ll never forget. A one hour drive to the FarmCoast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts revealed a one-of-a-kind combination of farms, villages, beaches and harbors — far removed from the fast-paced environment that we ironically call civilization. Consisting of the small Rhode...
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out Chutters in Littleton, N.H. The Guinness World Records reports Chutters has the longest candy counter in the world at 111 ft., 11 inches! Here’s a “sample”: The variety of sours and gummies, jellybeans, candy bars and bits, chocolates...
The Walpole Town Forest in Walpole, Mass., proves that the wise, old phrase, “seeing beyond the trees” is not always necessary to gain valuable perspectives on life. Outside the trees in this grand old forest, many Walpole residents experience increasing stresses — including but not limited to more traffic...
A recent day trip to southern Vermont cost me $20 with no compromise on a fun and meaningful travel experience. The endless scenic views served as the cheap travel anchor while the urge to buy “stuff” came in a distance second — truly a banner Vermont travel day for...
Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, Mass., is nice any time of the year, but it’s easier to “fall” in love with this idyllic spot during the New England fall foliage season. Henry David Thoreau’s former home provides a wonderfully peaceful experience, most notable by taking a 45-minute walk...
Shopping tourism is a growing travel trend, offering travelers the chance to include shopping as a major part of their vacations. Some shopping travel destinations can be quite pricey but on the budget travel end, places like the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Wrentham, Mass., offer the tourist a...
The New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Mass., makes for a terrific, affordable family cultural travel destination with adult admission $14 and children only $6 (kids five and under free), at this writing. I absolutely loved the visit here, taking in the rich history of the New Bedford...
There’s something about hot chocolate and winter that go together. You think of roaring fireplaces, dimly-lit rooms with Christmas decorations, and coming in from the frozen New England tundra for something warming. To validate this winter-was-made-for-hot-chocolate theory, just think of drinking hot chocolate during the summer. It just doesn’t...
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is one of the ultimate New England travel destinations to rent a vacation home. A 70-mile stretch of vacation bliss, Cape Cod features beautiful, expansive sandy ocean beaches and scenic winding roads through charming, tree-lined small towns and villages with fine examples of stately captain’s homes....
You can spend a lot of money at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vt., as it’s one of those places where you just want to buy everything! So what’s this historic Vermont attraction doing on the Thrifty New England Traveler Blog? Read on… The other side of the...
The Smithsonian Magazine’s “Museum Day Live!” will take place Sept. 24, 2016, offering free admission to more than 1,400 participating museums and cultural venues nationwide. This free admission allows one person, plus a guest, to access a participating museum. You can download a ticket at the Smithsonian Magazine Web Site....
No pun and bad math intended but on a “scale” of one to 10, I’d give the the Crispy Cod Fish Sandwich at The Common Man Roadside Millyard in Manchester, N.H. an eleven. Amply served and perfectly crispy and flavorful, The Common Man’s version is definitely easy to fall...
Uncommon Art on the Common, Sat., Oct. 22 at the Walpole Town Common Destination Downtown Walpole will be holding its third annual Uncommon Art on the Common event on Sat., Oct. 22 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Town Common in downtown Walpole, Mass.. Held in conjunction...
If you find a rare good weather day during the winter in Maine, a stroll at Long Sands Beach in York Beach can do wonders. Many of us get cooped up in the house during the colder season. Add the pandemic and it is more likely to become increasingly...