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This Boston hotel is giving music lovers a reason to travel
A look at Boston’s rising concert travel trend, a new biometric system at Logan, and a standout botanical garden in Maine.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Over the weekend, I traveled to Burlington, Vermont where my daughter skated in the Northeast Theatre on Ice Festival. While in Burlington, I always take the opportunity to visit Church Street Marketplace, and on Saturday, it was even more fun than usual thanks to Maple Madness. The one day celebration is part of Vermont’s Maple Open House Weekend and transforms downtown Burlington into a “maple wonderland” with syrup samples games, live music, and more.
Speaking of live music, have you traveled out of town for a concert? Concert tourism is on the rise so I talked to a Boston hotel official about the trend and how his property is meeting the demand. Also this week, I’m sharing info about changes at Logan Airport, a top-notch botanical garden in Maine, an April Fool’s Day deal on hotels, and more.
Concert tourism in Boston
We’re joining the concert travel trend by seeing Jack Johnson at the BankNH Pavilion this June and renting a house. We’ve traveled as far as The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington to see him perform. Airbnb says excitement for Boston concerts this summer is “off the charts,” with triple-digit spikes in searches after tour announcements for BTS, Noah Kahan, Ariana Grande, and more.
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Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport just launched an All Access Pass package that includes concert tickets even if they are sold out. “Nothing is off limits. We have tickets to absolutely everything,” Leon Bolivar, director of marketing for the hotel, told me.
What’s happening at Logan Airport
The Transportation Security Administration launched a new biometric system at Logan Airport, which allows TSA PreCheck flyers to verify their identity and pass through security showing only their face. Speaking of Logan, after President Trump said he’s sending ICE agents to airports due to the loss of TSA agents during the continued partial government shutdown, the TSA officers’ union says it’s currently unclear if ICE will be headed to Logan.
Another reason to visit Maine
Looking for more reasons to visit Maine this spring? Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay was recently named among the best botanical gardens in America by USA Today readers. It is the largest botanical garden in New England and includes giant trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo. It opens for the season on May 1.
Travel tips:
- New Hampshire is showcasing why the outdoors is great in the Granite State during Discover WILD New Hampshire Day on April 18 in Concord. The free, family-friendly event will feature more than 100 exhibits. Visitors will see live animals; try archery, casting, and fly tying; test their marksmanship at the air-rifle range; enjoy crafts, and more. There will be food trucks on site as well.
- The Brimfield Flea Market, billed as the largest outdoor antiques flea market in the country, opens May 12-17 for its first of three events in 2026. Visitors can shop thousands of exhibitors selling everything from antiques to collectibles to memorabilia.
- WaterFire, an immersive public art installation featuring more than 80 river bonfires in downtown Providence, R.I. opens May 30. Check out this year’s schedule of lightings.
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- This is no joke: Kennebunkport Resort Collection in Maine is offering a one-day-only April Fool’s Day sale. Between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on April 1, travelers can get 20% off stays between April 1 and Dec. 31. Blackout days and restrictions apply.
- Attention, college students: If you are between the age of 17 and 24 with a valid student ID, you can get 15% off your train fare on Amtrak using the student discount code V814.
- For those looking to bike around Boston, city residents can get a Bluebikes membership discount if they have not had a membership in the last three years. For those eligible, a Boston Bikes Pass is $60/year (the regular rate is $133.50/year).
Spending time in Boston? Check out 10 free things to do in Boston in March.
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.
— Kristi
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