If you’ve ever dreamed of owning one of New England’s most iconic homes, here’s your chance. One of the newest additions to Maine’s real estate market is the famous “Wedding Cake House” of Kennebunk, Maine. Steeped in history and elegance, this 2.23 acre property sits on the banks of the Kennebunk river and boasts over 300 feet of water frontage as well as a sprawling 5-bedroom home. Next door, a barn and carriage house offer additional entertaining space plus a bonus 2 bedroom apartment and kitchen.

The home was built in 1825 and retains countless unique historic details, from the sweeping custom mural in the front foyer to the ornate, frosting-like exterior trim. According to its current website, the trim was added starting in 1952 following a fire which destroyed the original barn, and the property’s name was born soon after when a local business man dubbed the house “The Wedding Cake House” for a postcard collection of numerous Kennebunk homes. Since then, the home has undergone many significant restorations to restore and maintain all of its former glory, and has been both a private home as well as an inn. Take a look inside!

Is this your dream Maine home? See more of our favorite New England real estate spotlights!

Home Details

Price: $2,650,000 • Square Feet: 6,263 • Acres: 2.23 • Bedrooms: 8 • Bathrooms: 5 full, 2 half
(Nathan McCabe, Pack Maynard and Associates, 207-967-3883)

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Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for a special occasion, like Valentine’s Day, or just hoping for some time to relax and reconnect away from the distractions of daily life, there’s no better place than Maine. Whether summer or winter, there’s something inherently romantic about the state’s rugged coastline, small towns, and quiet forests. And with so many cozy locales to choose from, we’ve helped narrow down your options. Here are our choices for the hotels that strike the perfect chord when it comes to romance.

Best Romantic Getaways in Maine

The Cliff House | Cape Neddick, Maine

Set atop a cliff of black volcanic boulders, Cliff House has enjoyed an osprey’s view of the ocean since opening in 1872. Recent renovations have gone beyond mere restoration to create a sleek contemporary hotel with an ambitious spa for beauty and wellness treatments. All 226 rooms and suites come with private terraces and those same incomparable views that have been the resort’s calling card since Ulysses S. Grant was president. 207-361-1000; cliffhousemaine.com Best of New England 2020

White Barn Inn | Kennebunkport, Maine

For nearly 50 years, the White Barn Inn Restaurant has been the standard-bearer for fine dining not only in Maine, but throughout New England. In 2021, a former barn annex got new restaurant life as Little Barn—same stellar chef, now more casual. The 27-room inn itself, an Auberge Resorts Collection property, also got spruced up, so that longtime guests still feel its timelessness while basking in a refreshing new brightness, like windows newly open to the sea. Best of New England 2022 winnter.

Water Street Inn | Kittery, Maine

Self-check-in allows you to breeze in like you own this red-brick Victorian and its 1700s barn, now with eight sun-filled rooms and suites outfitted for your every comfort. Gaze out at the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth from a front-porch rocker, and plot your walk-to adventures: breakfast pastries at Lil’s, a drop-in class at Yoga East, quarter-pound lobster rolls at Warren’s. The cultural, historical, and culinary playground that is Portsmouth lies just a 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride across Memorial Bridge. waterstinn.com Best of New England 2022

Topside Inn | Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Gaze over the town, the inner and outer harbors, and islands from this inn with a walk-to-everything location. Owner-innkeepers Buzz Makarewicz and Mark Osborn double as your concierges, and from three-course breakfasts created with ingredients from the inn’s gardens and local farmers’ markets to sips, nibbles, and bites in BarOne, nothing is overlooked. Public rooms, a wraparound porch, and a lawn salted with Adirondack-style chairs provide plentiful places to relax. Best of New England 2023 winner.

Blair Hill Inn | Greenville, Maine

Built in 1891 as a gentleman’s estate and breeding farm, the Blair Hill Inn offers the kinds of elegant rooms, fine dining, and gracious hosting that befit a Relais & Château member. Drink in the sunset views over Moosehead Lake from Greenville to Kineo while sipping cocktails on the wraparound porch. The inn’s restaurant, Slate, prepares a seasonally driven, multicourse tasting menu, with most ingredients sourced from the inn’s gardens or local farms, foragers, and Maine fishermen. Best of New England 2022

The Lincoln Hotel | Biddeford, Maine

Maine’s scene-iest boutique hotel opened last fall in a repurposed textile mill, part of the “Biddesance” transforming Biddeford into a baby Brooklyn. The aesthetic? Palm Beach meets industrial chic. The rooms? High-ceilinged with distinct architectural features, tall windows, and gas fireplaces. The sparkling rooftop pool and tiki bar? The place to be this summer. That is, when you’re not at the newest Batson River Brewing & Distilling outpost, located right in the building. Best of New England 2022

Camden Harbour Inn | Camden, Maine

From the welcoming flute of prosecco to the turndown chocolates and slippers, you’ll feel positively pampered here, where every room has at least a glimpse of the ocean and even the smallest ones offer in-room espresso machines and dreamy bedding. Chase spa treatments with drinks in the lounge and a fine-dining experience in Natalie’s restaurant. The grand finale: a champagne breakfast in the restaurant or in your room. Best of New England 2023

The Claremont Hotel | Southwest Harbor, Maine

“Wowed” barely describes the sensation of taking in the Claremont’s water-mountains-sky view. You’ll be impressed, too, by the stylish, extensive, year-old makeover that’s reawakened this 1884 hotel. With reverence for the property’s history and its location, looking across Somes Sound at Acadia National Park, new owners have elevated guest experience throughout. The spa, pool, cabanas, and restaurant deck are new, and the decor, taking a cue from Mother Nature, stimulates and soothes. With an updated-classic cocktail in hand, all’s well in your world. theclaremonthotel.com Best of New England 2022

William Jefferds House | Kennebunkport, Maine

One of four properties that make up the Kennebunkport Captains Collection (all former sea captains’ homes), the sunny, 16-room 1804 William Jefferds House blends original Federal-era woodwork with modern furnishings, just steps from the shops and restaurants of bustling Dock Square. larkhotels.com

The Francis | Portland, Maine

When a group of four brothers gets together to cook up a scheme, you might not expect something as refined as what the DeLois clan — Nate, Tony, Jacob, and Jeff — came up with. They bought and renovated a classic c. 1881 Italianate mansion in the West End and opened it in 2017 as a chic 15-room boutique hotel called the Francis. Even better, they launched a restaurant on the first floor, Bolster, Snow & Co., serving New England farm-to-table cuisine that’s worthy of a visit in its own right. Throughout both the hotel and restaurant, historic touches have been preserved (stained glass windows, parquet floors, tiled fireplaces), while the guest rooms themselves have an airy, modern vibe and plush bedding (the blankets, for instance, come from the Massachusetts luxury brand Matouk, a favorite of celebs like Tom Hanks). For an extra-relaxing stay, book a treatment at the wee second-floor spa, which uses the soothing products of Rhode Island–based Farmaesthetics.

Purposely Lost Treehouses | Springvale, Maine

There are only a few rules—like take off your shoes—in this land of wee dreamy houses and dark night skies. Canopy Treehouse, Cliff House, and the Sky-Frame Treehouse perch up high, while the property’s newest wheelchair-accessible addition is built hobbit-style into domed earth. Each may be less than 400 square feet, but they’re intricately, eco-sensitively designed with kitchens, full baths, and sleeping space for four. And each has its own two and a half woodsy acres and ukulele for you to strum. If you haven’t told the kids or your adventure partner where you’re staying, brace yourself for joyful squeals as you rumble along the dirt entry road lined with oaks and pines. Wander down to your private dock, paddle out onto Littlefield Pond, and appreciate how lucky you are to cut ties with the rat race for a spell.

Do you have a favorite spot for a romantic getaway in Maine? Let us know in the comments below!

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of cooking garlic. Aromatic and full of flavor, it’s that trusty old stand-by always certain to boost the pizzaz of that pasta, stew, stir fry, or roast. Blended into a dressing, it spruces up any salad. Slow cooked and spread on bread, it’s divine.

If you’re the kind of person who always adds an extra clove (…or two) of garlic to any dish, you’ll love these garlic-packed recipes from the Yankee archives.

10 Great Recipes for Garlic Lovers

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Baked Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic

Garlicky Parmesan Corn

Crispy Crab Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Aioli

Kale with Fried Lemon & Garlic

Mushroom, White Bean, and Spinach “Scampi”

Roasted Sheet Pan Chicken with Shallots and Garlic

Garlicky Cream Cheese Dip

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Whole Garlic and Rosemary

Pull-Apart Skillet Garlic Bread

What’s your favorite way to use garlic? We’d love to hear your ideas. Let us know in the comments below!

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Fall brings many familiar joys. With it comes a burst of color, fruiting apple trees, a crisp breeze, and the gentle closing of another hot, sun-baked summer. But those with an enthusiasm for alliums (a family of flowering plants which most notably includes onions, garlic, leeks, and chives) know that fall in New England also means it’s finally garlic’s time to shine. At these garlic festivals scattered throughout the region, farmers, gardening enthusiasts, chefs, home cooks, and foodies convene to express a shared love for these flavorful gems, as well as to enjoy cooking demonstrations, yummy samples, and live entertainment. If your love for garlic is as strong as the cloves themselves, don’t miss these fantastic New England garlic festivals this fall!

North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival | Orange, Massachusetts

September 30 and October 1, 2023

For more than two decades, the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival has been celebrating local farmers, artists, and organizations with this “festival that stinks.” Held annually at Forster’s Farm in Orange, Massachusetts, the festival features over 100 booths and more than 50 workshops and demonstrations. The highlight of the weekend? The annual raw garlic-eating contest.

Garlictown, USA | Bennington, Vermont

September 2, 2023

“Eat, drink, & get stinky with us,” reads the banner on the website for Garlictown, USA, a pungent Vermont village which emerges each year on Labor Day weekend in what is usually known as downtown Bennington. In 2022 over 75,000 visitors flocked to the festival to enjoy food trucks, browse vendor tents, hop on board a tractor ride, and more.

Garlic & Harvest Festival | Bethlehem, Connecticut

October 7th and 8th, 2023

From food samples from vendors to expert garlic cooking demonstrations, there’s no shortage of flavorful fun at the Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem, Connecticut. And then there’s the food court, where you can enjoy everything from deep fried garlic to garlic ice gream (yes, you’re reading this right). Pack your toothbrush and head on over!

Maine’s Garlic Fest | Skowhegan, Maine

October 7th and 8th, 2023

Maine might be better known for its bounty of lobster and blueberries, but this festival proves that the state holds its own when it comes to garlic. The annual festivities include an obstacle course, cornhole, kayaking and canoe rentals, music, art exhibits and, naturally, plenty of garlic-heavy food.

The Garlic Festival at Olde Mistick Village | Mystic, Connecticut

September 16th and 17th, 2023

For over 15 years, people have been gathering in the Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, Connecticut, to appreciate all things garlic at this award-winning festival. Like many of the other festivals on this list, the festivities include live music, a wide array of garlicky food, craft vendors, and farm booths to browse.

Have you visited any of these New England garlic festivals? Let us know in the comments below!

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Fresh tomato salads are among the best ways to highlight summer’s most beloved fruit. This one draws inspiration from Vietnam, with a punchy vinaigrette, whole leaves of mint and cilantro, and a golden crown of irresistible crispy fried shallots.

Mr. Ellis’s Tomato Tart

This savory tart has a buttery crust, a righteous mayonnaise-buttermilk-Parmesan custard, and loads of tomatoes. It’s best made in deep summer, when you can get the best, juiciest tomatoes of all colors and sizes.

Oven-Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Toasts

Roasting tomatoes with lots of olive oil and aromatics concentrates their sweetness, yielding silky flavor bombs with myriad applications. Toss them into pasta, pile them onto a sandwich, stir them into a grain salad, or use them as a topping for toasted bread slathered in good ricotta cheese.

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Make homemade fresh tomato sauce with your pick of veggies, then freeze and enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Here we use mushrooms and onions, but you can swap in peppers, celery, carrot, zucchini, or anything else you desire.

Tomato and Mayo Sandwich

In the dog days of August, nothing tastes sweeter than a tomato and mayo sandwich on soft white bread. It just might be the ultimate summer sandwich.

Easy Grilled Tomato Flatbreads with Herbs & Greek Yogurt

These easy grilled tomato flatbreads offer a delicious taste of the Mediterranean, right in your backyard.

Nectarine & Tomato Salad with Feta & Pistachios

With just nine ingredients, this summer nectarine and tomato salad offers the most delicious combination of sweetness, acidity, salt, crunch, and color.

Potato-Tomato Tart with Aged Gouda

Made with potatoes, tomatoes, and robust aged Gouda cheese, this savory tart makes for an elegant and delicious dinner.

Fresh Tomato Risotto

For this fresh tomato risotto, a portion of the stock is replaced by the juice and pulp of ripe tomatoes. It can stand alone as a main course, but it is also a beautiful side dish for grilled fish or sausages.

Grilled Swordfish with Tomato and Sweet Pepper Salsa

Looking for an easy grilled swordfish steak recipe? This simple grilled swordfish topped with a fresh tomato and pepper salsa is fast and flavorful. We especially love making this salsa recipe with fresh summer produce. It’s delicious on fish (try it as a fish taco salsa recipe), but also on just about everything else–chicken, scrambled eggs–or just used as a dip.

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New England fried clams were likely invented about one hundred years ago in Essex, Massachusetts, by Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman. Ever since then, thousands of New England eateries (especially the best clam shacks) have played with recipes and cooking methods in an attempt to come up with the best. Here’s where to get the best fried clams in every New England state.

Woodman’s of Essex in Essex, Massachusetts | Best Fried Clams in Massachusetts

The Woodman family claims that the fried clam was invented here nearly a century ago, and the Woodmans are still cooking them up to this day. Woodman’s success and longevity in the deep-fried clam world is largely due to the lard they use in their deep fryers. The clams are sweet, tender, and crunchy, and they come from local clam beds in Essex and Ipswich, considered by many to be the best in the world.

Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale | in Madison, Connecticut | Best Fried Clams in Connecticut

The fried clams at Lenny and Joe’s are crispy, sweet, and perfectly fried every time — something that similarly large, longstanding seafood shacks have a more difficult time doing. Each order of fried clams is quickly immersed in a succession of two fryers for quick, clean cooking that keeps the clams crunchy and free of lingering cooking oil. These remain the fried clams of choice on the Connecticut shoreline.

Blount Clam Shack | in Warren, Rhode Island | Best Fried Clams in Rhode Island

Housed in a couple of snappy, dark-blue trailers by the tidal Warren River in eastern Rhode Island, Blount is known as an outstanding purveyor of clam chowder, both through its shacks and its institutional-size gourmet food operation nearby. But the fried clams at the shack are not to be missed. They’re chewy, they’re sweet, and they’re hand-selected from the voluminous amount of clams that Blount Fine Foods receives on a daily basis. Be sure to also order some award-winning chowder while you’re there.

Petey’s Summertime Seafood in Rye, New Hampshire | Best Fried Clams in New Hampshire

Across from Wallis Sands Beach and just outside of the charming coastal city of Portsmouth, Petey’s Summertine Seafood in Rye is not only iconic, it’s also one of the best places to get fried seafood in New Hampshire. Their fried clams are no exception, perfectly deep fried and exactly what you need after a long day at the beautiful beaches of Rye.

Anchor Seafood Restaurant | Wilmington, VT

Most people don’t think of fried clams when they think of New England’s only landlocked state, however, if you have a hankering for seafood in Vermont there are certainly some solid options to choose from. Namely Anchor Seafood in Wilmington, where you can find a fresh, hot plate of fried clams that’s sure to satisfy your seafood craving.

Bob’s Clam Hut | Kittery, Maine

The best fried clams in Maine are some of the easiest to find. Bob’s is the first major clam shack you encounter when entering Maine from the south on I-95. Just over the border in the outlet-crazy town of Kittery, Bob’s has been serving up excellent fried fare since the mid-1950s. You may have your fried clams done either in Bob’s original recipe—breaded and fried to a crisp, golden crunch—or you may have them done “Lillian’s way” (the clams dipped in a wash before breading). Or you may have the best of both worlds and order the Clams Two Ways Plate, which features both versions.

Where is your favorite place to get fried clams in New England? Let us know in the comments below!

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Crowned with some of the finest beachfront in the region, the seaside village of Ogunquit is the epitome of the New England summer resort town and, in our opinion, the best beach town in New England. Situated on the Maine coast 45 minutes south of Portland, Ogunquit is a picturesque village with a cheerful seaside-resort vibe and striking natural features, including dramatic cliff and rock formations. With its spacious expanse of white sand, it’s long been a magnet for beach crowds, but Ogunquit (whose name means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language) is a great day-trip option for just about anyone looking to get out into the salt air and do some shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

You could easily spend a week or more exploring Ogunquit and its neighboring communities along the southern Maine coast. Regardless of what time of year you decide to go, there will be plenty of great things to do in Ogunquit, Maine.

Best Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine

Marginal Way

The Marginal Way is a seaside path that stretches along the granite coastline of Ogunquit. Entirely paved and mostly flat, it’s hardly a strenuous hike, yet it remains one of the most popular in New England. People flock to the Marginal Way for the view — though only 1¼ miles long, it offers more breathtaking vistas than any other trail you’ll find on the southern Maine coast. Benches along the way invite visitors to linger and enjoy the land, the sea, and the elemental beauty of the place where the two meet. There are a number of access points along the Marginal Way, but if you want to walk it from end to end, we recommend starting from Perkins Cove and strolling north to Shore Road, then jogging onto Wharf Lane and over to Ogunquit Beach.

Ogunquit Beach

Dubbed “The Beach That Has It All” in Yankee‘s 2021 summer travel issue, Ogunquit Beach offers more than three miles of gleaming white sand and undulating dunes, ensuring plenty of room for visitors to spread out. Popular with sunbathers, strollers, surfers, and kite-flying aficionados, Ogunquit Beach is also terrific for families: Just steps away from the main beach there’s a slender, sheltered beach on a tidal river where the water is calm and the sand is dotted with little pools — all perfect for sand castle builders. There’s also parking at three separate beach spots, as well as trolley service in the summer.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

Open daily from May 1 to October 31, this stunning seaside facility attracts is the only museum in Maine to devote itself exclusively to the exhibition, preservation, and interpretation of American art. Among its permanent collection of more than 3,o00 works — photography, paintings, sculpture, and more — you’ll find the likes of Marsden Hartley, Jacob Lawrence, and Marguerite Zorach; past exhibits have included the works of Jamie Wyeth and Andy Warhol. And the visual splendors don’t stop at the gallery walls: The museum’s large windows offer lovely ocean views, as do its peaceful three acres of sculpture gardens.

Ogunquit Playhouse

One of New England’s historic summer-stock theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse in years past welcomed the likes of Helen Hayes, Bette Davis, and Anthony Quinn to its stage. Now this spacious venue, built in 1937, is a showcase for the best musicals around, and even hosts world and North American premieres of new works. (Plus, it’s a blessed retreat for talented Broadway actors who make the shrewd move of leaving Manhattan in the sweltering summer.) Open seasonally — although fans can enjoy a December pick-me-up when the Ogunquit Playhouse takes its show on the road for a traditional holiday production at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Perkins Cove

Most visitors to Ogunquit eventually wind up at this tiny fishing enclave, which boasts one of the most-photographed spots in Maine: a charming historic pedestrian drawbridge. This is also where you’ll find the popular family-owned cruise operator FinestKind Scenic Cruises, which has been ferrying sightseers along the local coast for decades; the schedule runs from May through October and includes a don’t-miss outing to Nubble Light that yields rare on-the-water views of this Maine icon. Among the other attractions in Perkins Cove are art galleries, shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, sweet treats at Perkins Cove Candies, and seafood feasts at the Lobster Shack and Barnacle Billy’s.

Best Places to Stay in Ogunquit, Maine | Hotels & Inns

The Dunes on the Waterfront

Against the backdrop of 12 landscaped acres bordering a tidal estuary, the Dunes offers a choice of classic white clapboard cottages or cottage suites (with wood-burning fireplaces and full kitchens), or cozy guest rooms in the main hotel building. At high tide, rowboats at the dock make it easy to cross the tidal estuary to Ogunquit Beach; at low tide, you can simply stroll across. Nearby on the mainland side is the famed Marginal Way, taking you over the bluffs on foot to the village of Perkins Cove.

Cliff House

Just down the road from Ogunquit, in Cape Neddick, is a splurge worth seeking out: Built in 1872 atop Bald Head Cliff, the Cliff House completed a major update in 2016 with revamped guest rooms, 25,000-plus square feet of new event space, and a new luxury spa. It’s all icing on what was already a tasty cake, as the Cliff House’s 70 oceanfront acres and wealth of ocean views have long been whisking guests off to their own little bit of heaven by the sea. 

SEE MORE: Best New Hotels in New England

The Beachmere Inn

Conveniently located on the Marginal Way, this classic resort hotel caters to guests with in-room fireplaces, access to a hot tub, and an on-site spa and fitness center. In summers, look for yoga sessions on the front lawn, overlooking the Atlantic; if water sports are more your thing, they’re happy to coordinate surfing and standup paddleboard lessons. And don’t miss the chance to reserve a spot for one of their traditional summer lobster bakes.

What are your favorite things to do in Ogunquit, Maine? Let us know in the comments!

Best Places to Eat in Ogunquit, Maine | Restaurants

Barnacle Billy’s

Opened by the Tower family in 1961, Barnacle Billy’s soon became a Perkins Cove landmark and a magnet for lovers of classic Maine seafood. Proving you can never have too much of a good thing, the family opened a successful sister restaurant next door, Barnacle Billy’s Etc., in 1989. At both places, diners can count on the freshest seafood around, from the claw-meat-filled lobster roll to the ultra-filling clam chowder. 

Greenery Café

A newcomer to the Ogunquit dining scene, the Greenery Café debuted in 2016 and has earned a reputation among locals as a can’t-miss breakfast and lunch spot. Among the highlights at the locally owned, from-scratch eatery: the perfectly done “Bennys” (offered in original, Irish, lobster, crab cake, and Florentine variations), the classic breakfast sandwiches, and the pastry case full of just-baked scones, muffins, cupcakes, and more. Bonus for early birds — the café opens up at 5 a.m. daily. 

Jonathan’s Ogunquit

For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, look to Jonathan’s Ogunquit. The first floor is an upscale restaurant focused on farm-to-table cuisine (indeed, the lamb and many of the fruits and vegetables come from the proprietor’s own farm in nearby South Berwick); the second floor is a popular live-performance venue that has welcomed everyone from the Indigo Girls and Arlo Guthrie to Paula Poundstone and Lenny Clarke. Want to combine the two? Package deals make it easy.

Have your own list of the very best things to do in Ogunquit, Maine? Leave your picks in the comments below!

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When summer begins, so does the scramble to the coast. Lines form at the lobster shacks. Hotels fill. Sandal-wearers lug their umbrellas down stretches of hot pavement. But those who reside on New Hampshire’s seacoast know there’s a favorable four-wheeled alternative to this crowded, sweaty hullabaloo. When the sun’s out, there’s nothing like rolling the windows down and taking a drive along Route 1A.

Unlike many of the scenic routes outlined in our recent guide to the best New England summer drives, the New Hampshire seacoast is only 13 miles long, meaning this drive can be as short or as long as you want. There’s something wonderful about a quick drive down the coast as a brief interlude, a way to cleanse the palate between activities. That said, you could easily spend an entire day making your way along this stretch of sand. There are numerous restaurants along the way, multiple beaches to wander, and beautiful views to be had around every bend (with plenty of photo-op pull-offs, to boot). Whether you choose to start your drive in picturesque Portsmouth or amidst the hustle and bustle of Hampton Beach, you really can’t go wrong. Simply follow the signs for Route 1A and, when in doubt, hug the coast.

Where to Eat on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

With ample award-winning restaurants to choose from, Portsmouth is the obvious choice when it comes to dining along New Hampshire’s coastal Route 1A. If you’re starting your journey in Portsmouth, we recommend fueling up first with a coffee and croissant from Elephantine Bakery, a Mediterranean bakery nestled down one of Portsmouth’s picture-perfect side streets. Other great coffee shops in the area include: Wild Valentine, a coffee and flower shop hybrid; The Islander Cafe, a new cafe on New Castle island; and La Mulita, an award-winning coffee roastery conveniently located on Route 1A between Portsmouth and Rye. If you’re already at the beach and in need of some sustenance, Wild Roots next to Jenness Beach makes a mean breakfast burrito.

When lunch rolls around, it’s time for a lobster roll. For the classic seafood shack experience, try BG’s Boat House in New Castle or Petey’s Summertime Seafood in Rye, where lobster buoys hang from every corner and lines form even in the off-season. Others swear by The Beach Plum in North Hampton, an old standby of the seacoast food scene. Locals know, however, that the real trick for beating the crowds is to head over to Rye Harbor where, in what can only be described as a true seafood shack, lives Rye Harbor Lobster. Sure, you can’t get table service there, but you can get a phenomenal lobster roll and a bag of potato chips within minutes. If you’re in Portsmouth, grab a takeout lobster roll from Sanders Fish Market (if you can handle a hamburger bun, that is) and eat it on a bench in nearby Prescott Park. Trust us.

For dinner, a majority of the options will be found in Portsmouth, but if you’re hoping to dine along the coast make sure to snag a reservation at The Carriage House next to Jenness Beach in Rye. Their patio picnic tables offer a beachy al fresco option, though the real gem is their swanky upstairs bar, where it would be easy to spend hours sipping cocktails in style. For those headed back to Portsmouth, start with some oysters and cocktails at Row 34. Then, either head across the street to Shalimar of India, grab a burger and a pint at The Press Room, or elevate your evening at the award-winning Black Trumpet.

Finally, what would a day on the coast be without some ice cream? When it comes to classic summertime ice cream stands, the Ice House in New Castle is the most obvious choice, though those ending their days in Portsmouth will want to stop by Annabelle’s on the water.

Beaches on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

A guide to the New Hampshire seacoast needs to include the water, right? Say what you will about the length of New Hampshire’s coastline, but its beaches are undeniably top-rate—not to mention diverse.

For the full boardwalk experience, head down to Hampton Beach. Here, you can enjoy a wide sandy beach, arcades, restaurants, shopping and souvenir stops along the surf.

If you’re not one for crowds, try Jenness or Wallis Sands in Rye. These state beaches may lack the retail opportunities of Hampton, but some like it better that way. Gaze out on the Isles of Shoals, enjoy a picnic on the grassy area, and swim in the Atlantic.

If the sand isn’t your friend, but you still want to witness breathtaking ocean views, the trails of Odiorne Point State Park and its onsite Seacoast Science Center provide an outlet to stroll along the rocky Atlantic coast and check out WWII relics. The family-friendly Science Center is home to two whale skeletons, a blue lobster, and many more opportunities for hands-on learning for children, plus tidal pools, playground, and picnic areas.

Check online or call ahead for parking fees and hours, as these vary by season and location.

What to Do on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

Get out on the ocean with Al Guaron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching or a more leisurely tour of the area’s lighthouses, forts, and mansions with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. A short walk inland to Market Square in Portsmouth provides ample shopping opportunities, from eclectic boutiques like Nahcotta to local novelty favorite Macro Polo.

In late June, a visit to the annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition promises to astound, and maybe even inspire you to build a sandcastle of your own. Check out Cinnamon Rainbows for all your surf and beach gear. A short walk from the beach lands you in the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, where musical guests like Snoop Dogg and Third Eye Blind have been known to perform.

Fuller Gardens in North Hampton is a turn-of-the-century estate and botanical garden that began in the 1920s. It features rose gardens, a Japanese garden, and continuous English perennial plantings. Escape the crowds at the boardwalk or downtown and delight in the ocean breeze and distinct history of the gardens and estate.

Prescott Park dates back to the days of Josie and Mary Prescott, who, after coming into a significant inheritance, bought and donated the land to the city of Portsmouth in 1940. Today, the park is free and accessible to all, a vision the sisters shared. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens and scenery.

Petitions for a lighthouse along Portsmouth’s coast date back to 1721, and the site has seen a long and decorated history since. Portsmouth Harbor Light is still an active Coast Guard station, open to the public Sundays May-October from 1-5 pm. Take a tour to the top of the lighthouse and climb a ladder to the lantern room.

Historical Sites on New Hampshire’s Coastal Route 1A

The Strawbery Banke Museum is located at the site of Portsmouth’s original settlement in 1630. They operate nearly 40 period homes, covering 400 years of local history and lore. You won’t want to miss this wonderful look into a city steeped in history.

Another important part of Portsmouth’s history was nearly lost when a property between State and Chestnut Streets was paved over. This plot is home to the African Burying Ground, a sacred location that had been used as early as the 1700s (it’s the only such property in New England dating to this era). Now, thanks to an effort by the city council and the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, the Portsmouth African Burying Ground is a main attraction along the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, walking tours, and self-guided tours.

Have you ever driven New Hampshire’s coastal Route 1A? Let us know your favorite stops along the way in the comments below!

The post Driving New Hampshire’s Seacoast | Coastal Route 1A appeared first on New England.

Springtime in New England often feels like a prize for surviving the months of gray. One unpredictable, magical day, color begins to speckle flower beds. Smoke unfurls from the rooftops of sugaring shacks, sap flows like water. Windows crack open and we shake out the dust of the colder months, wipe down our bicycles, and make lists for a gardening supply run. Springtime events and festivals coax people out of their hibernation all across the region. The birds return. And with all of this comes celebration: we made it through the winter.

Still, spring can be a bit chilly, especially compared to the hot summer months. April is a great time to wander a quiet stretch of coast, scout out the earliest blossoming flowers, and visit a gardening center. Others may enjoy taking a warmer route by exploring one of New England’s renowned museums.

What is the weather like in April in New England?

The short answer is: unpredictable. Spring in New England is often a rollercoaster, bringing both high and low temperatures, freak snowstorms, buckets of rain, and (if you’re lucky) a day or two of bluebird skies and temperatures worthy of breaking out the short sleeves.

Although spring technically has begun in April, the average temperatures remain low and you’ll almost certainly still spot some snow on the ground. It’s a rainy month overall, but can be somewhat of a toss-up as to whether any given week will bring a rain, snow flurries, or a sunny spell. So don’t blame us if your travels land on a rainy week – spring showers come with the territory. If you don’t mind a few clouds, you’ll be just fine.

Best Things to Do in New England in April

The following list of ideas includes excerpts from “35 Reasons Why Everyone Should Stick Around This Season” which first appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Yankee Magazine.

April is an excellent time of year to explore New England. Whether you’re a visitor planning a trip or a longtime resident looking for fresh ideas, be sure to gather some inspiration from our list of the best things to do in April in New England.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in New England in April:

1. Stop and smell the flowers at one of New England’s public gardens or flower festivals

Nothing cheers the winter-weary spirit like the first glimpse of green. Spring blooms, from April daffodils to May lilacs, remind us there’s life beyond that heavy winter coat. And lucky for us, every spring New England abounds with flower festivals and public gardens packed with beautiful blooms.

The Nantucket Daffodil Festival, the Massachusetts island’s annual April celebration of all things daffodil includes art shows, tours, an antique car parade, tailgate picnic, window decorating contest, and the annual Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show. Costumes are encouraged — especially at the Daffy Hat Contest and children’s parade.

Another one of our favorite places to enjoy springtime blossoms is at The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Once an abandoned trolley bridge, this 400-foot arch across the Deerfield River has been reclaimed to display a garden that is anything but ordinary. Stroll past spring staples like tulips and daffodils while enjoying bows of wisteria overhead and blue hyacinths suspended over the water.

One of the best places to see blossoms around Boston is in Jamaica Plain, where every May the Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum showcases one of the most impressive collections of lilacs. Another great option is wandering through Boston Public Garden. The springtime display gets under way in March, as they begin planting pansies and other early perennials from the parks department’s 13 greenhouses, and it becomes downright lavish by May, when 30,000 bulbs burst into life—the vast majority of them being tulips in the Public Garden, where they have been planted each year since the 1840s.

Here are a few the best public gardens in New England:

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens | Boothbay, ME

Elizabeth Park | West Hartford, CT

Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve | Seal Harbor, ME

Harkness Memorial State Park | Waterford, CT

Prescott Park | Portsmouth, NH

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park | Woodstock, VT

Other favorite New England flower festivals include:

The Dogwood Festival | Fairfield, CT

Daffodil Days at Blithewold Mansion | Bristol, RI

Celebration of Peonies at Hildene | Manchester, VT

Cherry Blossom Festival | New Haven, CT

2. Visit an aquarium

If you’re looking for a fun and educational aquatic experience, a visit to one of the following New England Aquariums is the perfect activity. Meander through the colorful exhibits and learn more about the creatures that live below the surface of the sea, plus the efforts being done to help protect these unique specimens and their native habitats.

For a list of the many fine aquariums in New England, including key species and attractions at each, please enjoy our Guide to New England Aquariums.

3. Get some well-deserved R&R time in at a spa

Spas dot the New England landscape, but only an elite few are truly transformative destinations that also have all the playful amenities you’d expect from a resort. From the mountains to the sea, the region’s five best spa havens are planted in sublime locations that alone are a balm for the soul. Each has a distinctive approach to pampering guests, but they share a common goal: to transport you to a state of pure bliss, and leave you with a map for finding your way there again on your own. Read on for our list of top New England spa resorts. Reboot your well-being at one of our picks for the five best New England spa resorts.

If you’re looking for a more intensive spa experience, why not consider a getaway to an inn with more on the menu than just a delicious breakfast and comfy beds? We know that we can all can benefit from a little pampering, so we’ve also chosen a handful of inns for our list of best overnight pampering spots in New England that will have you relaxed and glowing from head to toe.

4. Wander a quiet shoulder-season beach

Months before the sand becomes dotted with neon beach chairs, there is a haunting beauty to the beaches of New England. In winter the beaches stay fairly quiet, save for dog walkers and winter surfers. It’s a refreshing sight for those accustomed to summertime crowds, especially when temperatures warm up enough for a stroll along the coastline or on one of the region’s many beaches. The next time there’s a warm spell in the forecast, take this as a perfect excuse to plan a beach getaway (at off-season rates, no less)!

Some of our favorite New England coastal walks include: the Marginal Way in Qgunquit, Maine; Parker River National Refuge in Plum Island, Massachusetts; Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Connecticut; Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire.

See our list of 11 Magical New England Coastal Walks and our list of the Prettiest Beaches in New England for more ideas.

5. Warm up at a botanical garden

When mud season feels relentless and summertime still feels far away, grab that steamy beach read you can’t wait to crack open and point your getaway vehicle toward one of New England’s pockets of tropical warmth.

It’s 70 degrees at all times inside New England’s largest glass-house garden: the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Fountains burble, camellias blossom, 40-foot palm trees stretch toward the sun. And you’ll feel the warmth tingling from the top of your head to the tips of your toes as you inhale the heavenly scent of Calamondin oranges.

Tropical sensations are likewise guaranteed inside the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College in Northampton, MA. One of the nation’s oldest plant havens, this 12-greenhouse complex’s jungle-like Palm House is always kept humid and at least 70 degrees for the comfort of its specimens, some of which are a century-plus old. You’ll feel better able to endure winter’s worst after spending time with these survivors and stopping to smell the flowering orchids and rhododendrons.

6. Hit the trail!

There’s nothing like a breath of fresh, springtime air. While you will still need to don your coat on chillier spring days, the return of warmer weather means that it’s the perfect time to tune up your bike, lace up your hiking boots, and start getting back out there. Some of our favorite things to do outdoors during the spring in New England include: taking a bike ride on one of New England’s many beautiful rail trails, exploring one of the region’s many nature preserves, or embarking upon an easy spring hike (be aware that the trails may be extra slippery during this season due to ice or mud).

7. Enjoy spring ingredients by making an in-season meal

April showers bring asparagus. That’s how the saying goes…right? Rhubarb, radishes, fiddleheads, and asparagus are only a handful of the fresh foods to look forward to every spring. Here are some of our favorite easy spring recipes from the Yankee and NewEngland.com archives, which will help you make the most of fleeting, in-season foods:

Asparagus Gouda Tart

Maple Walnut Muffins

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Sautéed Fiddleheads

Spring Pea Salad

Spring Chicken

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

8. Take a walk downtown (and shop ’til you drop!)

Imagine this: buds are beginning to form in the flower beds next to the sidewalks and a warm breeze is blowing through the streets. More than 100 shops and restaurants beckon you inside—bakeries and cafés and bookstores for lingering. When the sun pops out, there will likely be a musician or two setting up. Some 1.5 million visitors stroll Church Street Marketplace blocks each year, but on this day, it feels as though spring has finally arrived and the world is reopening.

Looking for a similarly great shopping town near you? Check out our list of Favorite New England Holiday Shopping Towns, which are especially full of magic during the holidays but are just as wonderful during the rest of the year.

And if outlet shopping is more your speed, check out our list of the best outlets in New England. From tax-free shopping in New Hampshire to splurging in Connecticut, you can meet all your shopping needs in one stop, while scoring the best bargains out there. Fashion crisis (and financial crisis) averted.

9. Attend a Patriot’s Day reenactment

Where better to commemorate Patriots’ Day, which marks the battles of Lexington and Concord and the start of the American Revolution, than on the very ground where so much history happened? Thousands of people visit Minuteman National Park during the annual Patriots’ Day festivities, one of the best spring events in New England for history buffs. Show up early and you may have an opportunity to tip a pre-fight pint with British and colonial reenactors at Munroe Tavern. Beyond the battlefield, Lexington, Concord, and the surrounding towns serve up a weekend jam-packed with patriotic fun.

10. Soak up some springtime rays on a heated outdoor patio

The alfresco options that sprouted up all over New England during the pandemic era may be less numerous these days, but some are so inspired that they remain permanent fixtures—and even top tables. Most glamorously, the Gondola Village at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, serves haute après-ski fare in restored vintage ski gondolas that seat up to four. Millwright’s in Simsbury, Connecticut, has a row of elegant greenhouses that function as private dining rooms for two to five patrons, with a view of the restaurant’s signature waterfall. And at Batson River Brewing in Kennebunk, Maine, the wildly popular “fishing shacks” offer a cozy retreat for up to six, complete with party lights, plaid throws, and a menu of poutine, burgers, and house-made beers and spirits.

Looking for outdoor dining in Boston? Carved into a former Somerville storage facility, Bow Market is a collection of 30-plus small businesses—florists, chocolatiers, a brewery—arrayed around a courtyard. In the winter, the space is filled with cozy firepits that serve as heaters and tables. Savor your choice of pork lumpia from Tanám or lobster mac and cheese from Bluefin, and—sheltered from the wind and warmed by the fire—discover how comfortable a springtime outdoor meal can be.

11. Sneak in a few last runs on the slopes

When skiable slopes align with blue skies, bright sunshine, and tee-shirt weather, magic happens. Springtime certainly doesn’t mean it’s time to retire your skis for the season. as evidenced on many of New England’s bigger mountains, which make snow well through the spring months. In the colder areas of New England you can even still find skiable snow on cross country ski trails.

12. Explore Acadia National Park

Of the 4 million visits people made to Acadia National Park in 2021, nearly all were by car. The scene looks vastly different when the snow flies, however, and most of the famed Park Loop Road is closed to auto traffic. For this reason, shoulder season offers a prime opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore this stunning 47,000-acre park at their own pace and under their own steam. Read our guide to Acadia National Park here.

13. Spend some quality time with baby animals

Every April, farms and museums open their doors to the public to showcase some of New England’s newest additions. One of our favorites is the Billings Museum Baby Farm Animal Celebration in charming Woodstock, Vermont, which offers visitors the opportunity to get up close with the farm’s adorable baby animals, plant an heirloom seed, participate in fun craft activities, and more. We also love the springtime Family Farm Fest Weekends at Old Sturbridge Village (in fact, we think springtime is one of the best times to visit Old Sturbridge Village), as well as the baby animals at the Hancock Shaker Village.

14. Splash around at an indoor waterpark

When the weather outside is still too chilly for a beach day, indoor waterparks offer warm temperatures, prime lounging opportunities, and an array of waterslide adventures that seem to test the laws of physics. Mix in a lazy river and a poolside bar, and voilà: Inside, it’s so delightful. Two of our favorites are Jay Peak Pumphouse Water Park in Jay, Vermont, and Water Park of New England in Danvers, Massachusetts.

15. Make the most of maple season

If autumn is New England’s Mardi Gras, maple season is our Oktoberfest, a delicious celebration of regional heritage in liquid form. And as our tasty to-do list shows, syrup lovers from Connecticut to Quebec have plenty of inspired ways to drink it all in. You could visit a maple sugarhouse, pour it on at a pancake house like the iconic Polly’s Pancake Parlor, or simply bring home a bottle and cook up some maple goodies in the kitchen.

Some of our favorite maple syrup recipes for spring include our food editor’s recipe for Maple Gooey Butter Cake, these mouthwatering Maple Barbecue Ribs, a collection of boozy Maple Syrup Cocktail Recipes, and of course, Sugar on Snow. What’s more, there are many alternative maple concoctions that are worthy in their own right. We’ve also rounded up a few favorite New England–made maple products that give new meaning to maple. Fans of savory-sweet combinations will love the maple pepper, maple-smoked cheddar, and maple sriracha, while those with a sweet tooth may prefer to pop open a tub of the aforementioned maple cotton candy. And not everything is meant to be eaten: We found earrings, ceramics, refrigerator magnets, and even art supplies.

Don’t know your rich from your robust? Our guide to the updated maple syrup grades is here to help explain the difference. Just pass the pancakes!

16. Dust off your gardening gloves

Even if the ground is still covered in a layer of snow, March is a great time to start seedlings and gear up for spring. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner wondering where to start, use by stocking up on supplies to get seeds started for the upcoming spring as a great excuse to go wander through the balmy rooms of a greenhouse. Our list of the best New England nurseries and garden centers is a great place to start.

What’s your favorite thing to do in April in New England? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 16 Best Things to Do in New England in April appeared first on New England.

Those who know and love New England know that winter brings a simple magic to the region, when snow flurries and icy temperatures make for a perfect time to hunker down, bundle up, and stay as cozy as possible. Long after the departure of fall foliage and well before the arrival of spring, March is one of these months which brings along with it a stretch of slower, simpler days.

If you’re not afraid of a little cold, March is a great time to hit the ski slopes, wander a quiet stretch of coast, or strap on some skates at an ice rink. Others may enjoy taking a warmer route by exploring one of New England’s renowned museums. If window shopping and nightlife is more your speed, the winter is a great time to visit the region’s cities, where a cozy bar or award-winning restaurant is always around the corner. There’s nothing more enchanting than Boston’s Beacon Hill, Portland’s Old Port, or Burlington’s Church Street when the snow is falling!

What is the weather like in March in New England?

The short answer is: unpredictable. Although spring technically begins in March, the average temperatures remain low and you’ll almost certainly still spot some snow on the ground. The average temperature during March in New England is TK, but in reality the temperature often fluctuates significantly from one week to the next. Visiting New England in March means there’s a solid chance you’ll experience either one snowstorm, freezing rain, or unseasonably warm day. Maybe even all three, if you’re lucky!

So don’t blame us if your travels land on a rainy week – flurries and showers come with the territory. If you don’t mind a little bit of cold, you’ll be just fine.

Best Things to Do in New England in March

The following list of ideas includes excerpts from “35 Reasons Why Everyone Should Stick Around This Season” which first appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Yankee Magazine.

March is an excellent time of year to explore New England (assuming your mittens and hat are always close by)! Whether you’re a visitor planning a trip or a longtime resident looking for fresh ideas, be sure to gather some inspiration from our list of the best things to do in March in New England.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in New England in March:

1. Visit an aquarium

If you’re looking for a fun and educational aquatic experience, a visit to one of the following New England Aquariums is the perfect activity. Meander through the colorful exhibits and learn more about the creatures that live below the surface of the sea, plus the efforts being done to help protect these unique specimens and their native habitats.

For a list of the many fine aquariums in New England, including key species and attractions at each, please enjoy our Guide to New England Aquariums.

2. Blow off some steam in an ice bumper car

The Providence Rink is the only place in New England where on-ice collisions are encouraged. Reserve your ice bumper car, a cool reinvention of the classic carnival ride, and spend 15 action-packed minutes spinning, slamming, ricocheting … and appreciating the architectural diversity of one of America’s oldest cities. Drivers must be at least 6, but kids as young as 3 can ride with adults.

3. Get some well-deserved R&R time in at a spa

Spas dot the New England landscape, but only an elite few are truly transformative destinations that also have all the playful amenities you’d expect from a resort. From the mountains to the sea, the region’s five best spa havens are planted in sublime locations that alone are a balm for the soul. Each has a distinctive approach to pampering guests, but they share a common goal: to transport you to a state of pure bliss, and leave you with a map for finding your way there again on your own. Read on for our list of top New England spa resorts. Reboot your well-being at one of our picks for the five best New England spa resorts.

If you’re looking for a more intensive spa experience, why not consider a getaway to an inn with more on the menu than just a delicious breakfast and comfy beds? We know that we can all can benefit from a little pampering, so we’ve also chosen a handful of inns for our list of best overnight pampering spots in New England that will have you relaxed and glowing from head to toe.

4. Wander a winter beach

Months before the sand becomes dotted with neon beach chairs, there is a haunting beauty to the beaches of New England. In winter the beaches stay fairly quiet, save for dog walkers and winter surfers. It’s a refreshing sight for those accustomed to summertime crowds, especially when temperatures warm up enough for a stroll along the coastline or on one of the region’s many beaches. The next time there’s a warm spell in the forecast, take this as a perfect excuse to plan a beach getaway (at off-season rates, no less)!

Some of our favorite New England coastal walks include: the Marginal Way in Qgunquit, Maine; Parker River National Refuge in Plum Island, Massachusetts; Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Connecticut; Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire.

See our list of 11 Magical New England Coastal Walks and our list of the Prettiest Beaches in New England for more ideas.

5. Warm up at a botanical garden

When winter feels relentless, grab that steamy beach read you never actually opened last summer and point your getaway vehicle toward one of New England’s pockets of tropical warmth.

It’s 70 degrees at all times inside New England’s largest glass-house garden: the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Fountains burble, camellias blossom, 40-foot palm trees stretch toward the sun. And you’ll feel the warmth tingling from the top of your head to the tips of your toes as you inhale the heavenly scent of Calamondin oranges.

Tropical sensations are likewise guaranteed inside the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College in Northampton, MA. One of the nation’s oldest plant havens, this 12-greenhouse complex’s jungle-like Palm House is always kept humid and at least 70 degrees for the comfort of its specimens, some of which are a century-plus old. You’ll feel better able to endure winter’s worst after spending time with these survivors and stopping to smell the flowering orchids and rhododendrons.

6. Slide on a snow tube

It’s a downhill thrill that requires no skill. An express ticket to childhood exhilaration, no matter how many years it’s been since you rooted for snow days. No wonder snow tubing is surging in popularity. New England’s top tubing destinations manufacture snow, groom lanes, and provide the cushy rubber donuts. All you need to do is bundle up, and let gravity do its job. Here are our five picks for the best snow tubing parks in New England.

7. Strap on some skates and go ice skating

Winter’s frigid temperatures turn local ponds into frozen wonderlands ready for ice skating, and with over four miles of cleared ice, Vermont’s Lake Morey Skate Trail is the longest in the country, providing a runway for skaters to take flight into a stunning winterscape.

When a natural body of frozen water isn’t handy, there are plenty of man-made outdoor ice skating rinks all throughout New England. Magnificent views of Rhode Island’s Pell Bridge make the outdoor rink at Newport Harbor Island Resort a can’t-miss for skaters. Not in Rhode Island? No problem, you can bundle up at one of the many other fantastic New England outdoor ice skating rinks this season.

8. Shop ’til you drop

Put yourself in this picture: A soft snow falls, and a brick walkway that stretches for four pedestrian-only blocks becomes sprinkled with white. More than 100 shops and restaurants beckon you inside—bakeries and cafés and bookstores for lingering. When the sun pops out, there will likely be a musician or two setting up. Some 1.5 million visitors stroll Church Street Marketplace blocks each year, but on this day, you can imagine you’ve stepped inside a snow globe of the perfect winter cityscape.

Looking for a similarly great shopping town near you? Check out our list of Favorite New England Holiday Shopping Towns, which are especially full of magic during the holidays but are just as wonderful during the rest of the year.

And if outlet shopping is more your speed, check out our list of the best outlets in New England. From tax-free shopping in New Hampshire to splurging in Connecticut, you can meet all your shopping needs in one stop, while scoring the best bargains out there. Fashion crisis (and financial crisis) averted.

9. Step inside a magical ice castle

Without the wintry forces of nature, the artists who build New Hampshire’s most enchantingly ephemeral attraction would have themselves a giant puddle. But as the cold snaps and water flows over icicle building blocks, Ice Castles becomes a massive walk-through wonder, glowing with LED lights. Dress warmly, because you’ll want to experience all that awaits inside, including an ice sculpture garden and frozen slides. New this season: an ice bar serving frosty cocktails. Opens in January; see website for details.

10. Warm up by a fire at an outdoor beer garden

The alfresco options that sprouted up all over New England during the pandemic era may be less numerous these days, but some are so inspired that they remain permanent fixtures—and even top tables. Most glamorously, the Gondola Village at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, serves haute après-ski fare in restored vintage ski gondolas that seat up to four. Millwright’s in Simsbury, Connecticut, has a row of elegant greenhouses that function as private dining rooms for two to five patrons, with a view of the restaurant’s signature waterfall. And at Batson River Brewing in Kennebunk, Maine, the wildly popular “fishing shacks” offer a cozy retreat for up to six, complete with party lights, plaid throws, and a menu of poutine, burgers, and house-made beers and spirits.

Looking for fireside dining in Boston? Carved into a former Somerville storage facility, Bow Market is a collection of 30-plus small businesses—florists, chocolatiers, a brewery—arrayed around a courtyard. In the winter, the space is filled with cozy firepits that serve as heaters and tables. Savor your choice of pork lumpia from Tanám or lobster mac and cheese from Bluefin, and—sheltered from the wind and warmed by the fire—discover how comfortable an outdoor midwinter meal can be.

11. Cross country skiing

Cross-country skiing has long been a go-to winter pastime for New Englanders. It’s the perfect way to get outdoors, into the wilderness, and explore trails covered with snow. It’s also great exercise and can be easier than running on pavement or tackling rugged snowshoe trails. Most Nordic Centers offer cross country ski trails for all skill levels, from flat beginner’s loops to steep ascents and speedy downhills for the more advanced skier. They may be less celebrated than some of the big alpine resorts, but the multitude of cross-country skiing trails and centers scattered throughout New England is growing larger and more diverse with every passing year and each new technology advancement.

Wondering where to go? Here some of Yankee’s favorite places to cross country ski in New England.

12. Explore Acadia National Park

Of the 4 million visits people made to Acadia National Park in 2021, nearly all were by car. The scene looks vastly different when the snow flies, however, and most of the famed Park Loop Road is closed to auto traffic—offering a prime opportunity for winter enthusiasts to explore this stunning 47,000-acre park at their own pace and under their own steam. Read our guide to Acadia National Park here.

13. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s day

Even though New England’s late-winter landscape may not have brightened much by mid-March, the region still greens up in a big way each year when Saint Patrick’s Day arrives. Irish roots run deep here: In a ranking of U.S. states whose residents claim Irish ancestry, New England occupies the first five slots (Massachusetts, 22 percent; New Hampshire, 21; Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine, 18).

As a result, many of the foods Americans think of as central to St. Patrick’s Day are dishes more customary to New England than Ireland itself. Corned beef and cabbage, for instance, which later became a staple of Irish-American culture, was at first favored by Irish immigrants due to its low cost. But whether it’s this traditional boiled dinner you’re craving, or a hearty Beef and Guinness Stew, Yankee has the Saint Patrick’s Day recipes to make your next holiday gathering memorable.

But whether you mark the day with a loaded plate of corned beef and cabbage, pints of green beer, or an enthusiastic attempt at dancing an Irish jig (we know — those fifes and fiddles can make us do strange things), it’s almost always more fun to celebrate with a crowd at one of New England’s many St. Patrick’s Day parades! The South Boston annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the most large and well known, and to learn more about the region’s biggest Boston Irish party you can visit their website or learn more about Yankee’s take in our post about the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Some of our other (smaller) favorites include the Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade in Massachusetts, the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rhode Island, the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Connecticut, the Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Massachusetts, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Massachusetts, and the Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade in New Hampshire.

In big cities and small towns alike, you can also find plenty of places to hoist a perfectly poured pint and tap your feet to some lively music. To get you started, here are our top picks for the best Irish bar in every New England state. No matter where you go for St. Patrick’s Day, you’re going to have a good time!

14. Visit a museum

A cozy afternoon spent in an art museum is a terrific way to gain a new perspective after a busy summer and fall—and New England, with its long history of nurturing art and artists, has some world-class options to choose from. In the winter months, you’ll find these places peaceful, uncrowded, and uplifting. Some of our favorites include: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts: The Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine; The Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut; and the RISD Museum in Providence, Rhode Island.

Looking for a snowier, more outdoor-oriented museum experience? Go west to explore The Clark’s 140-acre campus in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Tuesdays through Sundays, you can borrow snowshoes for an outdoor adventure, then step indoors to warm your toes and feast your eyes with a slow stroll through the galleries.

Here are some more of our guides to New England museums:

Best Art Museum in Every New England State

Modern House Museums in New England

Historic House Museums in New England

Best Small Museums in New England

Best Boston Museums for Kids

15. Splash around at an indoor waterpark

When the weather outside is frightful, indoor waterparks offer warm temperatures, prime lounging opportunities, and an array of waterslide adventures that seem to test the laws of physics. Mix in a lazy river and a poolside bar, and voilà: Inside, it’s so delightful. Two of our favorites are Jay Peak Pumphouse Water Park in Jay, Vermont, and Water Park of New England in Danvers, Massachusetts.

16. Hit the slopes

American skiing owes a lot to New England. Some of the country’s earliest ski resorts launched in its rugged (and often icy) mountains. Olympians have been born here, they’ve trained here, and they still ski here. And New England remains a prime skiing region today.

In all, there are 91 ski resorts scattered across New England, from Maine to Rhode Island, which means it can be hard to decide. But in every state, there are a few standouts. Find out some Yankee favorites in our roundup of the best ski mountain in every New England state, our favorite under-the-radar ski mountains (a.k.a., all the fun without the crowds), and our picks for the best easy ski trails in New England for beginners.

17. Warm up with a fireside meal or beverage

Firelight is a time machine. Gaze into the swirling flames, feel the natural warmth radiating, hear the crackle of the wood releasing its energy, and you’re teleported to an age when fire—like food and drink—was a basic necessity. We’re comforted by the way a fireplace transforms a powerful force into a soul-soothing escape from the frosty outdoors. The best restaurants with fireplaces combine inspired cuisine with the romance of a warm hearth, and each one has a story to tell. Which is why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite New England inns and restaurants with fireplaces to help you navigate the chilly weeks ahead.

18. Make the most of maple season

If autumn is New England’s Mardi Gras, maple season is our Oktoberfest, a delicious celebration of regional heritage in liquid form. And as our tasty to-do list shows, syrup lovers from Connecticut to Quebec have plenty of inspired ways to drink it all in. You could visit a maple sugarhouse, pour it on at a pancake house like the iconic Polly’s Pancake Parlor, or simply bring home a bottle and cook up some maple goodies in the kitchen.

Some of our favorite maple syrup recipes for spring include our food editor’s recipe for Maple Gooey Butter Cake, these mouthwatering Maple Barbecue Ribs, a collection of boozy Maple Syrup Cocktail Recipes, and of course, Sugar on Snow. What’s more, there are many alternative maple concoctions that are worthy in their own right. We’ve also rounded up a few favorite New England–made maple products that give new meaning to maple. Fans of savory-sweet combinations will love the maple pepper, maple-smoked cheddar, and maple sriracha, while those with a sweet tooth may prefer to pop open a tub of the aforementioned maple cotton candy. And not everything is meant to be eaten: We found earrings, ceramics, refrigerator magnets, and even art supplies.

Don’t know your rich from your robust? Our guide to the updated maple syrup grades is here to help explain the difference. Just pass the pancakes!

19. Dust off your gardening gloves

Even if the ground is still covered in a layer of snow, March is a great time to start seedlings and gear up for spring. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner wondering where to start, use by stocking up on supplies to get seeds started for the upcoming spring as a great excuse to go wander through the balmy rooms of a greenhouse. Our list of the best New England nurseries and garden centers is a great place to start.

20. Go candlepin bowling

New England’s primacy in the sport of candlepin bowling is clear. It all started here in 1880, when Justin “Pop” White, a bowling lane owner in Worcester, Massachusetts, invented the sport, which today remains part of the regional culture. No surprise, then, that the best candlepin alleys are located in New England.

Candlepin differs from standard (and, non–New Englanders might try to argue, superior) tenpin bowling in significant ways. The balls are smaller, players roll three balls per frame as opposed to two, and the pins are thinner. For those reasons, candlepin fans contend, the sport is more difficult. The International Candlepin Bowling Association has a robust website that details the sport’s history and how to play it.

Looking to try your hand at candlepin bowling? As the home of this historic sport, New England has some great spots to get you started. Here’s a list of our favorites.

What’s your favorite thing to do in March in New England? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 20 Best Things to Do in New England in March appeared first on New England.

From juicy burgers and marinated steak tips to ratatouille salad and old-fashioned baked beans, these tried-and-true cookout recipes are sure to make your next New England summer bash a smashing success.

Apple-Cranberry Slab Pie

There’s something homey and endearing about slab pies, which makes them perfect for a summer party. It also helps that they’re portable and easy to cut up and serve. This apple-cranberry slab pie offers the perfect combination of sweet-tart flavors.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Steak Tips

Thanks to a boozy-sweet marinade, this recipe for brown sugar bourbon steak tips is a flavorful addition to your grilling repertoire. It’s also the most popular steak tip marinade recipe in the Yankee archives. Serve with grilled veggies.

Campfire S’Mores Dip

This gooey skillet s’mores dip couldn’t be simpler: You just melt some chocolate in a skillet, top with marshmallows, cover, and cook. To eat, dip the graham crackers into the sauce. If you want a nicely browned top, it does help to have access to an oven’s broiler, a small kitchen torch, or a carefully wielded flaming branch.

Clam Dip

In this easy New England clam dip recipe, sour cream and cream cheese pair with tender clams, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and onion to form a tasty concoction you won’t be able to resist. Why settle for store-bought when homemade tastes this good?

Church Supper Coleslaw

The word coleslaw comes from the Dutch koolsla, meaning cabbage salad. This version, studded with carrots and celery, is a New England church supper crowd-pleaser. You can switch it up by adding raisins, chopped nuts, or bits of fruit, such as apple or pineapple.

Classic New England Clam Chowder

This recipe includes all the traditional ingredients for true New England chowdah – fresh shellfish, bacon, potatoes, and cream – yet it’s rich and thick without turning gloopy.

Creamy Lemon-Basil Pasta Salad

This creamy, zesty pasta salad with peas and arugula is a modern take on a summer classic. We love the bright lemon zest and shower of crunchy, buttery bread crumbs for texture.

Deviled Eggs Three Ways

A recipe for “Hot Deviled Eggs” in Yankee’s February 1950 issue gave rise to these piquant spin-offs, which feature ginger and sriracha, bacon and caramelized onion, and baked-potato fixings including jalapeño.

Grilled Corn with Herbed Bacon Butter

Fresh herbs and crisp bacon elevate buttered, grilled corn to delicious new heights in this easy summer recipe.

Grilled Ratatouille Salad with Lemony Herb Dressing

Celebrate the bounty of summer with this ratatouille salad, an update on a classic French dish.

Grilled Swordfish with Tomato and Sweet Pepper Salsa

This simple grilled swordfish topped with a fresh tomato and pepper salsa is fast and flavorful. It’s also delicious on fish tacos or grilled chicken.

Grilled Zucchini Salad

In this flavorful and fresh summer zucchini salad, zucchini slices are lightly browned, then tossed with fresh herbs, almonds, Parmesan, and lemon.

Mary Blenk’s Maine Wild Blueberry Pie

This award-winning wild blueberry pie recipe from Maine cook Mary Blenk is juicy, not runny; the berries sweet (yet just a bit tart); the crust flaky and light. In short, it’s everything a blueberry pie should be. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!

Outside-In Homemade Burgers

Even though condiments are actually incorporated into these patties, don’t hesitate to top these homemade burgers with the usual fixings. You’ll enjoy an even richer flavor. And feel free to double or triple the recipe for a crowd — it’s quite flexible. Other New England grill favorites include Fenway Franks and “red snapper” dogs, served on a top-split hot dog bun.

Pull-Apart Skillet Garlic Bread

These buttery skillet garlic pull-apart rolls are a major crowd-pleaser. They’re easiest to bake in a lidded charcoal or gas grill, but you can also make them in a covered skillet over a fire pit.

Slow-Grilled Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce

Grilling over lower heat is perfect for bone-in chicken thighs. Alabama white sauce is a simple vinegar-mayonnaise blend white BBQ sauce that’s fantastic on chicken and pork. If you think barbecue sauce should always come in shades of red, you’re in for a delightful surprise.

Stovetop Clambake

A traditional beachfront clambake is a signature New England experience, but it’s an effort reserved for only the most special occasions (unless you’re in possession of a stretch of private beach and ample free time to dig a pit and build a fire). You can, however, reproduce the flavors at home with a stovetop clambake — all you need is a large pot, some seafood, and aromatics like fennel and lemons.

Strawberry Cannoli Tart

Use fresh summer berries to make this delightful strawberry tart inspired by the classic Italian cannoli. The crust is a simple press-in dough that tastes like sugar cookies but crunches like a cannoli shell.

Shrimp and Corn “Clambake” Grill Packs

Inspired by the iconic New England clambake, these grill packs replace lobster with quick-cooking shrimp, along with spicy sausage, corn, and potatoes. Smoked mussels are optional but add a wood-fired flavor.

Tom Curren’s Beanhole Beans

Beanhole beans, or beans-in-the-ground, are New Hampshire cook Tom Curren’s specialty: 25 pounds of beans baked the way they were in the logging camps of the Great North Woods, where they had no ovens. Here’s a scaled-down version, adapted for your home oven. This recipe still makes a generous amount, but the beans freeze beautifully.

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

In this comforting side dish casserole, baked potatoes are mashed with cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, and roasted garlic and topped with scallions. Delicious.

Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler

This colorful combination of watermelon, cucumber, mint, and lime juice makes an ultra-refreshing summer drink.

Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Fluff Filling

Here’s a classic homemade whoopie pie recipe for this favorite old-fashioned New England dessert. Soft chocolate cookies with Marshmallow Fluff cream filling never had it so good. If you prefer New England–inspired cookies, try chewy molasses hermit bars or the classic chocolate chip Toll House cookies.

What’s your favorite recipe to make for a summer cookout? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Our 23 Best Cookout Recipes appeared first on New England.