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Things to do outside of Boston this summer
Plus: Maine Lobster Festival, a Vermont blueberry festival, and the best campgrounds in the Northeast.
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Massachusetts is packed with summer fun, and I’ve rounded up the best things to do both north and south of Boston this season. Also up this week: a look at a nationally renowned lake right in our backyard, plus details on a lobster festival in Maine and a blueberry festival in Vermont.
Looking for good times north of Boston this summer?
North of Boston has so many activities in the summertime, so I asked Nancy Gardella, executive director of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, to share her picks for the best things to do north of Boston. I love visiting Tree House Brewery in Tewksbury with friends, and also dining out in downtown Haverhill. Speaking of Haverhill, check out the city’s new rooftop lounge that debuted in June.
Visit one of America’s best lakes this summer
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A visit to Lake Champlain may be in order after USA Today readers named it one of the most “amazing” lakes in America. Burlington is a great place for exploring the lake, wrote the publication, and I couldn’t agree more. I always enjoy strolling through Waterfront Park and popping into the shops and restaurants nearby. Visitors can also hop on scenic cruises and take boat tours from the park.
Pick your summer excursion south of Boston this summer
For those traveling south of Boston this summer, Paula Fisher, deputy director of See Plymouth, shared her picks for the best things to do south of Boston. A whale watch is never a bad idea, in my experience. This year, I’m hoping to finally get to King Richard’s Faire in Carver, named among the best renaissance fairs in America.
Travel Tips
- The Dyrt is helping you narrow down your camping choices this summer by naming the 10 best campgrounds in the Northeast (five are in New England — three in Maine, one in Mass., and one in N.H.)
- The Maine Lobster Festival, named among the top specialty food festivals in America, is taking place July 30 to Aug. 3 at Rockland’s Harbor Park. Check out a seafood cooking contest, children’s events, a parade, arts and crafts, live music, and, of course, plenty of lobster.
- Attention blueberry lovers: Southern Vermont’s Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival will happen July 25 to Aug. 3. Visitors can enjoy live music, crafts, a parade, block party, blueberry pancakes, blueberry pies, and more.
Deals and Steals
- Save money on last-minute tickets for performances taking place across the city by visiting the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- Sun Cruiser is offering to cover the cost of your beach parking in Massachusetts this summer. Beginning on June 20, the company began reimbursing beachgoers $20 via Venmo for uploading their 2025 beach parking receipt from any Massachusetts beach town. Act fast, because there are a limited number of reimbursements available.
- Get a discount on your next Cape Cod stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster. Save 20% when you book three or more nights, courtesy of their Summer Savings package, which is valid through Aug. 31 (a four-night minimum applies if your trip includes a Friday or Saturday night).
Save more money by checking out this running list of deals on transportation, food, hotels, and activities happening across New England.
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I’ll leave you with this photo of Nubble Lighthouse in Maine taken by Amy H.
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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
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