Scenic Six

There’s still time for vacation at these New England destinations

Plus: Local spots on "Good Morning America," Saint Anthony’s Feast, and the Big E.

People pass through the packed streets at St. Anthony's Feast in the North End of Boston on August 28, 2022. (Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe)

By Kristi Palma

3 minutes to read

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Welcome back to Scenic Six. 

I just returned from a girls’ weekend at Hampton Beach. Six of us relaxed in the sun, swam in the ocean, and enjoyed dinner, shopping, and live music on the iconic boardwalk. It was a fun escape with the ladies and one of many options travelers have for friend getaways in New England.

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Check out my tips for a great weekend at Hampton Beach before the summer ends.

This week, I’ve got info about Saint Anthony’s Feast, the Rutland Whoopie Pie Fest, and top-ranked campgrounds across New England.

What makes Massachusetts special, according to ABC correspondent Will Reeve

Mass. native and ABC correspondent Will Reeve reported live from the Charles River for a segment on “Good Morning America.” After the segment, he chatted with me about his love for the Bay State, his favorite local spots (he loves eating at Carmelina’s and strolling through Boston Common), and the cameo he played in this summer’s “Superman” movie. 

Save money at these ‘bougie-on-a-budget’ New England trips

There’s still time for a summer vacation and there are 15 New England destinations that feel luxurious but won’t break the bank, according to MarketBeat. Places such as Shelburne Falls, Mass., Rangeley, Maine, and Portsmouth, N.H. all fly under the radar and are budget friendly, according to the site. Check out three low-cost ways of having fun in Portsmouth. 

Book your camping getaway at these top-rated spots 

New England is bursting with camping opportunities and some spots are lauded nationwide for their location, amenities, and one-of-a-kind experiences. For those looking for a perfect wooded escape, I’ve rounded up a list of top-ranked New England campgrounds worth booking this season.

Travel Tips

  • Bring your appetite to the 106th annual Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End on Aug. 28-31. The street festival includes nearly 100 vendors, processions, music, and, of course, plenty of Italian food. 
  • Whoopie pie lovers, take note: the Rutland Whoopie Pie Fest in Vermont takes place Sept. 13. The fourth annual event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and, of course, whoopie pies. 
  • Mark your calendar for the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, or as it’s known, The Big E. The fair representing all six New England states takes place Sept. 12-28 and includes food, rides, games, and more. Last year, the event broke attendance records.

Deals and Steals

  • Parking just got more affordable at Hampton Beach. The Hampton Beach Village District is offering a parking special in the month of August: $10 all-day parking Monday through Friday and $20 all-day parking on Saturday and Sunday. 
  • Hopper is running a Soak up the Summer sale Aug. 13-15, with 10-40% off hotels in dozens of domestic and international destinations including Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic. 
  • Get free queso at Anna’s Taqueria as a side or entrée addition through Aug. 18 in celebration of the new queso and fajita veggies at the restaurant’s burrito bar. Check out the eatery’s locations around Boston and Massachusetts.

Discover more travel deals in New England in August. 

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I’ll leave you with this photo of Singing Beach, taken this weekend by our audience editor Zipporah Osei.

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. 

Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.

— Kristi

Profile image for Kristi Palma

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

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