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Check out these underrated travel destinations, events in New England
Plus: Chocolate fest, Summer Sketch, and fluffy chowder.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
It’s hard to believe we are closing out July soon, but not to worry, there is still plenty of summer left. I’ve got information about what to see and do this season in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, a chocolate festival in New Hampshire, and where to find the Fluffy Chowder that people are raving about.
Why Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom deserves your travel love
Leave it to Vermont to create a Dog Chapel and Museum of Everyday Life. A trip to quirky, gorgeous, delicious Vermont is always a good idea. But I recently chatted with Loralee Tester, director of the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, about why the Northeast Kingdom is especially worth visiting. Check out her picks for what to see and do there.
Here’s where you can get your hands on Fluffy Chowder this summer
If you don’t know what Fluffy Chowder is, it’s made with clam chowder, lobster, and “magic sauce.” I caught up with its creator, Sylvia Cheever at Rye Harbor Lobster Pound in Rye, N.H., who shared how it was named and why she felt it needed to be a registered trademark. You can get the chowder in Rye or at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival in September.
(I was just at Hampton Beach earlier this month — check out my video exploring this ultimate summer getaway.)
Experience Newport on the cheap this season
The seaside city of Newport, R.I. is known for its sailing, Gilded Age mansions, and harborside boutiques. For those traveling on a budget, I’ve rounded up three low-cost ways of exploring the destination, which was recently named among the most welcoming places in the U.S. I can tell you this: a stroll on the gorgeous Cliff Walk never disappoints!
Travel Tips
- Chocolate lovers, head to Waterville Valley, N.H. July 26 for the free 26th Annual Chocolate Fest. Festival goers will enjoy chocolate treats, live music, and mountain views in Town Square. Labelle Winery will also bring chocolate and wine pairings.
- The iconic Cannon Mountain aerial tram at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire is being retired this fall after 45 years, so this is your last chance to ride it. Get info about the hours and cost.
- Eyeing a Caribbean escape this winter? BermuidAir just announced it will fly nonstop from Boston to Anguilla beginning in December.
Deals and Steals
- Canyon Ranch Lenox in the Berkshires, just named one of the best destination spas in the U.S., is offering a deal right now where guests age 13 to 21 can stay for free with a paying adult. The offer must be booked by Sept. 1 for stays that take place by Sept. 15.
- Save money while exploring the Cape Ann communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, and Hamilton by using the Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA), which is providing free rides on all regular bus services, including seasonal summer services, through Dec. 31.
- Every other Tuesday in Boston’s Seaport, SIDE Presents hosts a free program called Summer Sketch, with live sketching classes for the public. The program provides all art supplies and all art levels are welcome. The remaining dates are July 29, Aug. 12 & 26, and Sept. 9. Register at this link.
Discover more New England travel deals in July.
I’ll leave you with this photo of Cape Porpoise, taken by reader Mark B.
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