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50 ways to make the most of spring in Massachusetts
Outdoor adventures across the state, a Cape Cod restaurant closure, and what World Cup demand could mean for local stays.
You’re reading the award-winning Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
I traveled to Portsmouth, N.H. over the weekend for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention, where Scenic Six won second place for Outstanding Newsletter. I am honored and thrilled that folks are finding this little newsletter interesting and useful. Thank you for your readership 🙂
The first day of spring is on Friday (hooray!), so I’m sharing information about dozens of great outdoor activities taking place this season across Massachusetts. I’m also writing about a restaurant closing on Cape Cod, a massive flower and plant event in Rhode Island, food and hotel deals, and more.
Spring has finally arrived so here’s 50 ways to get outside
If you’re like me, you’re itching to get outside as soon as humanly possible after the long, cold, snowy, cold, (did I mention cold?) winter we’ve just endured. I’ve created a list of 50 things to do outside across Massachusetts this spring. From scenic hikes to whale watches to open-air museums (the nation’s best is right here!), there’s something for everyone on this list. Enjoy!
Say goodbye to this Cape Cod restaurant
DiParma Italian Table in West Yarmouth has closed after more than 20 years of service. I chatted with Eric White, general manager for the restaurant group, about why the owners closed the doors for good. Also, find out what restaurant is taking over the space and opening in April.
Hotels, Airbnb are preparing for the World Cup
Boston is one of 16 host cities for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, which means hotels are hiking up prices around the matches. Furthermore, Airbnb is recruiting new hosts to help meet the demand for overnight accommodations by paying hosts a $750 bonus. To find out if your property is eligible for the bonus, check the nearly 100 Massachusetts and Rhode Island zip codes in the event zone.
Travel tips:
- JetBlue just cut a seasonal route between Boston and Asheville, N.C. The route, first launched in 2022, was supposed to resume in May but has not been performing well, according to the airline. Impacted customers will receive a full refund.
- Skiers and riders should check their mountain destination ahead of time these days as New England resorts say they are “in the midst of winter versus spring,” so the amount of open terrain can be fluid.
- For flowers and plants galore head to the Bloom Flower & Home Market at WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, R.I. April 11-12. Visitors can shop more than 85 small and independent florists, plant shops, home decor retailers, makers, and artists from New England and beyond.
Deals and steals:
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- Outback Steakhouse has the following March Madness deal for wing lovers, available March 15 to April 6: get 60 wings for $60. The deal is available for curbside take-away, Outback delivery, or catering orders.
- Traveling with your pet this spring? The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester, Vermont will waive its pet fee for one dog ($75) when pet parents book its Paws Up Pet Package through June 30. The hotel also provides a pet bed and bowls for four-legged travelers.
- Save money on same-day trips with Boston Express. The bus company offers a discounted same-day round-trip fare from Tyngsborough, Nashua, and Salem (exit 2) to South Station for $24 and from North Londonderry (exit 5) to South Station for $26.
Spending time in Boston? Check out 10 free things to do in Boston in March.
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I’ll leave you with this photo of charming Market Square in downtown Portsmouth, N.H. that I took over the weekend.
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
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