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Take these scenic routes through New England this summer
Plus: Salem Arts Festival, Wine and Food Festival, and Mike's City Diner special.
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I recently visited 11 countries in one day — at Disney World’s EPCOT. I went with friends and did a deep dive into the countries, enjoying the shopping, music, food, and beverages (I’m still thinking about that frosé slush in France). Though I left the hot Florida weather behind, I’m hopeful that New England will have beach weather soon, so this week, I’m sharing a Massachusetts beach guide. Plus, we’ll discuss scenic drives, an upcoming wine and food festival, and more.
Map out your beach excursions this summer
Massachusetts has beautiful beaches, and some even rank among the best in the nation. Whether you’re looking for lighthouses, snack shacks, hiking trails, or gorgeous sunsets, this Massachusetts beaches guide has you covered. When we asked Boston.com readers for their favorite beach in Massachusetts, Crane Beach in Ipswich was the clear winner. One of my favorites is beautiful and calm Nahant Beach, where we usually cap off the day with beachside dining at Tides.
Don’t overlook Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
I recently flew out of New Hampshire’s Manchester-Boston Regional Airport for the first time, as did Christopher Muther from The Boston Globe. I booked my flight soon after JetBlue announced its debut with three routes to Florida. Muther writes that it’s a solid regional airport with a lot to offer and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a reason the airport keeps landing on travel publication best-of lists. It was clean, friendly, uncrowded, and stress-free. Now if it will only get more routes!
This scenic drive in Maine is worth gassing up for
Maine is brimming with beauty, so it was no surprise when USA Today named a 29-mile stretch of road in the Pine Tree State among the 5 most scenic drives in America. The Schoodic National Scenic Byway passes through gorgeous coastal landscapes and the only mainland section of Acadia National Park. The park was recently named among the most beautiful places in America by Conde Nast Traveler.
Travel Tips
- Immerse yourself in the arts at the 17th Annual Salem Arts Festival, taking place June 6-8. Enjoy a gallery of juried artists’ work, performance and dance, an artisan street fair, the popular Mural Slam, and more.
- Toast your friends at the 6th Annual Pioneer Valley Wine and Food Festival, happening June 7 and 8 in Brimfield. Guests will enjoy regional wineries, breweries, and distilleries, as well as food trucks, crafts, and live entertainment.
- Celebrate New Hampshire’s rich Black history this Juneteenth with events taking place June 8-19 on the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, which include walking tours, site dedications, talks, film screenings, and more.
Deals and Steals
- Boston’s Mike’s City Diner in the South End turns 30 this month and is celebrating by offering 1995 pricing — $6.99 — for its popular breakfast special through Friday, May 23 (the dish includes three eggs, three pieces of bacon or sausage, grits or home fries, toast, and coffee).
- Snag free admission to the Discovery Museum in Acton on summer Friday nights beginning June 20, and enjoy the museum as well as the Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape and treehouse.
- Explore Nova Scotia and Maine for less money when bringing a group aboard The Cat, a high-speed car ferry in Bar Harbor, Maine. The One, Two, Free deal allows travelers who book a reservation for one vehicle and two passengers free passage for up to three additional passengers (a savings of up to $630). The deal is available until Oct. 15.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival this month.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
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