When this sweet A-frame chalet popped up on my screen this week, I immediately stopped what I was doing to scroll through the listing and take a few moments to daydream about how nice it would be to curl up in front of the wood stove, cook a meal in the kitchen, or visit with friends around the fire pit. My life is hectic, so when I mentally escape, it’s to the quiet and nature…but comfortable nature, with couches and running water.

Located 90 minutes from both Concord and North Conway, this 1970 New Hampshire chalet has been stylishly updated, making it an ideal vacation home or rental (meaning I will have to keep dreaming for now), but it’s always fun to look! See if it makes you feel equally cozy.

A Cozy Updated New Hampshire Chalet in the Mountain Lakes District

What do you think of this New Hampshire chalet? See more of our favorite New England real estate spotlights!

Editorial Note: Yankee editors like to mosey around and see, out of sheer curiosity, what turns up when you go house hunting online. We have no stake in the sale whatsoever and would decline it if offered.

Home Details

Price: $379,000 • 1,632 Square Feet:  • Acres: 1.35 • Beds: 3  • Baths: 2
(Brie Stephens, Compass Real Estate, 603-819-8071)

The post House For Sale | A Cozy Updated New Hampshire Chalet in the Mountain Lakes District appeared first on New England.

In the heart of Nantucket, where coastal breezes carry centuries of tradition, a unique design legacy took root. Founded in 1968 by Andy Oates and Bill Euler, Nantucket Looms began as a humble weaving studio and has since grown into a beloved destination for handwoven textiles, distinctive home furnishings, and refined interior design. With its signature blend of timeless charm and seaside sophistication, the brand has long been admired by tastemakers like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and interior designer Billy Baldwin.

In Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style, their new book with author Linda Jane Holden, the island institution invites readers on a visual and narrative journey through its rich design heritage. From artisanal craftsmanship to the influence of maritime culture, the book showcases how this iconic studio has helped shape some of Nantucket’s most beautiful interiors. Featuring stunning photography by Matt Kisiday, it’s an inspiring celebration of classic design, natural materials, and the quiet elegance of island living.

Here’s a glimpse inside OutbACK, one of our favorite homes featured in Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style.

A Featured Cottage from Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style

Tucked away behind a tall privet hedge at the edge of town, OutbACK—a modern take on the classic Nantucket cottage—offers a serene, year-round retreat designed by Nantucket Looms Interior Design Studio. Built in 2021, the guesthouse blends timeless coastal style with handcrafted details, from soft organic textures and layered linens to natural wood accents and an airy, open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. With its cozy porch, stone terrace, and signature outdoor shower, it’s a gathering place for family and friends during island celebrations—from Daffodil Weekend to the Nantucket Christmas Stroll—and a true reflection of relaxed island living.

Is this your dream Nantucket Cottage?

Pick up Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style for even more island inspiration!

See More:

Watch! Meet the Women Behind Nantucket Looms on Nantucket Island
Nantucket Looms Is Weaving a World of Their Own

The post Coastal Charm Behind the Hedge: A Featured Cottage from “Nantucket Looms: A Legacy of Style” appeared first on New England.

If you’ve never experienced South Shore bar pizza, pay attention. Like any good American, I love pizza and have since I was old enough to chew. In the following 30-odd years, my pizza tastes have expanded from thin Papa Gino’s and thick Greek-style “House of Pizza” slices to brick oven Neapolitan-style slices with blobs of fresh mozzarella and gourmet-topped flatbreads. Add in homemade pizza and the occasional thick-square Sicilian bakery slice, and I thought I had Massachusetts pizza pretty well covered. Little did I know I was missing out on the best pizza to come out of the Bay State- South Shore bar pizza.

What is South Shore Bar Pizza?

Not having grown up in the section of Massachusetts stretching south and east of Boston to Cape Cod (known as the “South Shore“) like my husband did, I had never had South Shore bar pizza, the variety found in (as the name implies) many of the bars and pubs throughout the region. Cooked in 10-inch individual, well-seasoned pans, bar pizzas have a crust that’s often described as “cracker-like,” with a good balance of crispy and chewy, and a browned layer of cheese (a mozzarella/cheddar blend) that stretches all the way to the edge, forming a signature charred and lacy border. With just one visit to my husband’s hometown bar pizza spot, the Central Cafe in Middleboro, I was, as the saying goes, hooked.

South Shore Bar Pizza at Lynwood Cafe

A few miles north, the Lynwood Cafe in Randolph is often considered the most legendary place for bar pizza, although other contenders include Town Spa in Stoughton, Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton, and the oddly-named Poopsies in Pembroke. With its nondescript exterior and just slightly less-so interior, the cash-only Lynwood delivers flavor without fuss, and for its generations of loyal customers, that’s just fine. A handful of tables and booths comprise the dining area, with a jukebox in the corner and a few neon beer signs on the walls. It’s a basic bar that dates back to 1949 and looks like one, but the pizza is anything but.

Inside, we study the laminated, single-sheet menu and keep it simple with a plain cheese for my sister and a mushroom and onion for me. The wait can sometimes be long (many customers place large to-go orders that can slow the kitchen down), but the pizzas are always perfect. Bar pizza slices are small, sturdy, and splendidly greasy, and the pie’s 10-inch size makes them perfect for individual ordering. Or sharing. The choice is yours.

Meat-eaters often go for toppings like linguica (a Portuguese smoke-cured pork sausage) or salami, and for those that like to live on the edge, the menu also includes a Baked Bean Special. Considered a “love it or hate it” kind of pizza, it comes topped with Boston baked beans, onions, and salami.

I know of a few spots beyond the South Shore mimicking the “bar pizza” style (City Slickers Cafe in Somerville is a Boston-area favorite of ours), but for many fans, only the “real deal” will do, and that often means a trip to Lynwood.

Are you a South Shore bar pizza fan? If not, which style of pizza is your favorite, and where’s the best spot for a slice?

This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated. 

See More:
Guide to New England Pizza Styles
75 Classic New England Foods
Ode to New Haven Pizza

The post Is the Best South Shore Bar Pizza at Lynwood Cafe in Randolph, MA? appeared first on New England.

It’s not hard to find the Christmas spirit in New England, but if you’re looking to visit a destination that guarantees a full dose of holiday cheer (we’re talking food, shopping, activities, and maybe even a glimpse of Santa), then these New England Christmas celebrations are the answer!

From candlelight strolls to Norman Rockwell charm, here are ten of the best Christmas celebrations in New England (listed by date in random order). Which would you most like to attend?

Best Christmas Celebrations in New England in 2024

Festival of Lights | Wickford, Rhode Island
December 5 – 8, 2024

Historic Wickford Village in Wickford, Rhode Island celebrates the holiday season in seaside-style with a town tree lighting, hayrides with Santa, concerts, Elf Parade, breakfast with Santa, and more. Don’t miss Santa’s daily arrival at the Town Dock!

Freeport Sparkle Weekend | Freeport, Maine
December 6 – 15, 2024

This annual event in bustling Freeport (home to the L.L.Bean Flagship Store, numerous boutiques, a bevy of designer outlets, and a hopping craft brewery scene) is a whirlwind of holiday cheer and excitement. Signature events include the Sparkle Parade of Lights, Talking Christmas Tree, Stealth Elf, Maine craft pop-ups, and visits with Santa. Enjoy ten full days of festive events, sales, and fundraisers among the dazzling light displays of their historic downtown Don’t miss posing with the giant L.L. Bean boot!

Main Street at Christmas | Stockbridge, Massachusetts
December 6 – 8, 2024

Celebrate Christmas in New England like Norman Rockwell! Rockwell made Stockbridge famous in his depiction of the town’s Main Street at Christmas, and the town pays tribute to the beloved painter each year in a weekend-long celebration of vintage holiday cheer. Holiday house tours, caroling, horse-drawn rides, a visit with Santa, and concerts make the weekend merry, but it’s tough to top the Sunday afternoon re-creation of Rockwell’s painting, complete with period automobiles.

SEE MORE: The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA | A Historic New England Inn at Christmas

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude | Kennebunkport, Maine
December 5 – 15, 2024

The seaside village of Kennebunkport, Maine hosts a full week of holiday cheer each year with the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude. Including the memorable arrival of Santa by lobster boat, events range from shopping and eating (take your pick from a pancake breakfast, lobster bake, or wine tasting) to special events like candlelight caroling, tree lighting ceremonies, arts & crafts shows, concerts, and much (much) more. Shops offer extended hours and many provide special treats to celebrate the season. Don’t miss the famous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree in nearby Cape Porpoise!

SEE MORE: Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude | Photographs

Nantucket Noel and Christmas Stroll | Nantucket, Massachusetts
November 1 – December 31, 2024

While picture-perfect holiday cheer abounds in Nantucket during the entire month of December, the island’s annual Christmas Stroll weekend is when the fun really begins. Starting with Santa’s arrival via Coast Guard vessel, the fun continues with craft shows, concerts, a holiday house tour, and Festival of Trees at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Kid-friendly activities include visits with Santa and the Magical Talking Tree.

SEE MORE: Nantucket Holiday Stroll | Photographs, Come, Let’s Stroll | Christmas on Nantucket

Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll | Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Weekends in December, 2024

With a packed schedule of holiday fun, the historic seaport of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is worth a visit all month long as it celebrates Vintage Christmas, but we especially love the Candlelight Stroll at the Strawbery Banke Museum. Each weekend in December, the grounds are lit with the glow from hundreds of luminaries while the museum’s historic homes boast festive decor and all of the good sights and smells of the holiday season.

SEE MORE: Finding Christmas in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Winter Wassail Weekend | Woodstock, Vermont
December 13 – 15, 2024

Celebrating the holiday season in unique style, the annual Winter Wassail Weekend in Woodstock features a parade with over fifty horses and riders dressed in holiday costumes and period dress from the early 19th Century, concerts, a Saturday night Wassail Feast, historic house tours, yule log and activities for children. The shops in town stay open late for all of the names on your list.

SEE MORE: Christmas in Weston, Vermont | First Light

Christmas by the Sea | Ogunquit, Maine
December 13 – 15, 2024

The popular Maine seaside town’s annual holiday celebration weekend features a tree lighting, Christmas parade, beach bonfire, polar plunge, fireworks, caroling, shopping, music, silent auction, living nativity, visits with Santa, the “Taste the Season” food festival, and more — much, much, more! You won’t know where to begin, but we promise you’ll have a holly jolly time.

Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie Tour | White Mountains, New Hampshire
December 14 – 15, 2024

If your idea of the perfect way to kick off the holiday season includes sweet treats, overflowing Christmas decorations, snow-capped mountain views, and the (optional but encouraged) cozy charm of a New England bed and breakfast, then the annual self-guided Mt. Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour is exactly what you’re looking for!

See More: Mt. Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour

Boston, Massachusetts | Christmas in the City

Whether it’s a day of holiday shopping on Boston’s city sidewalks, admiring the tree and musical light show at Faneuil Hall, treating yourself to a fancy dinner and performance of The Nutcracker or the Holiday Pops, skating on the Frog Pond, or even sipping a hot chocolate while cruising the city via trolley tour, Boston offers just about everything the urban holiday spirit desires. Bundle up and hit the town!

See More: Yankee‘s Boston Christmas Guide

Which New England Christmas celebrations are your favorite?

This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.

SEE MORE:
Best Historic Christmas Celebrations in New England
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in New England
5 Best Holiday Light Displays in New England

The post Best Christmas Celebrations in New England in 2024 appeared first on New England.

New Hampshire’s 2024 fall season is packed with exciting events, with various experiences that celebrate the state’s vibrant autumn traditions. From the Highland Games in the White Mountains to the Deerfield Fair, Pickle Festival, and more than one pumpkin festival, there’s something for everyone—from culinary delights and live music to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities across the state.

2024 New Hampshire Fall Events

New Hampshire Highland Games
September 20-22

Don your best tartan and head to Loon Mountain Resort in the White Mountains for three days of everything Scottish – from bagpipes and whisky to clan bonding and “The Caledonian Clash,” a heavy athletics competition featuring seven traditional feats of strength, including the fan favorite Caber Toss (the one where competitors toss an enormous tapered pole).

Deerfield Fair
September 26-29

Once a small affair started in 1876, the Deerfield Fair now runs over four days on over 100 acres with more than 100,000 visitors. Find all the traditional fair favorites, including music, food, rides, animals, crafts, competitions, and so much more.

Winchester Pickle Festival
September 28

A pickle parade, pickle eating contest, canning contest, and largest cucumber growing contest are just some of the ways the pickle is celebrated at this unique annual event. There’s also music, a bounce house, and local food vendors.

Claremont Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off
October 5

Sample entries in individual, non-profit, and business categories, and then vote for your favorite bites in the annual Claremont Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off. The town green also hosts children’s activities and food vendors for a day of spicy fall fun.

Dover Apple Harvest Day
October 5

Started in 1985, this annual downtown Dover fall festival attracts more than 60,000 people for a day of food and music while browsing stalls from more than 300 vendors.

Milford Pumpkin Festival
October 11-13

Take in a dizzying array of pumpkin offerings and fall fun at the annual event centered around the Milford Oval. Enjoy two stages of live music, a haunted trail, fun runs, fair foods, craft vendors, and a carved pumpkin lighting display.

Warner Fall Foliage Festival
October 11-13

This family-friendly fall tradition has the usual assortment of crafts, music, food, parades, and a farmer’s market, but you’ll also find an oxen pull, woodsmen’s contest, ice cream eating contest, and an apple pie bakeoff.

Sandwich Fair
October 12-14

Visitors to the New Hampshire Lakes Region look forward to the Sandwich Fair each year for old-fashioned fun. Find music, food, a midway, plus livestock, exhibits, and events like a skillet toss, cornhole competition, and children’s tractor pull.

Berlin RiverFire
October 19

Make this creative celebration a new fall tradition. Enjoy live music, food vendors, hayrides, children’s activities, and a beer tent while you wait for dark and the glow of fires dotting the Androscoggin River.

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
October 22-31

In addition to the obvious draw (thousands of carved pumpkins clustered around downtown, including those lined up on a massive tower), offerings include fair foods and rides, live musical performances, and don’t-miss events such as a pumpkin pancake breakfast, a pie-eating contest, and a pet costume parade.

More New England Fall Fun

Best Corn Mazes in New England

If you look forward to making your way through a corn maze each fall, here’s a list of the best corn mazes in New England from Maine to Rhode Island.

Best Apple Orchards in New England

Apple picking is just one of those fall activities that never seems to grow old. Yankee senior food editor, Amy Traverso, provides a list of the best apple orchards in New England.

Fall Foliage Train Tours

Looking for a fun, new way to experience the autumn color in New England? Fall foliage train tours are a great alternative to driving.

The post 10 Fun New Hampshire Fall Events For 2024 appeared first on New England.

History buffs rejoice! As one of the first areas populated by European settlers during the early 17th century, New England is a region teeming with historic sites and museums that showcase its heritage. Planning a visit and want to get your history on? Here are 25 of the best New England historic sites and museums.

1. Plimoth Patuxet Museums | Plymouth, MA

Upward of a million visitors flood into Plymouth every year to experience firsthand what life was like in one of America’s first colonies, and for good reason. Plimoth Patuxet provides an immersive, 360-degree view of history thanks to its recreation of a 17th-century English village filled with Pilgrim actors and the Wampanoag Homesite, populated not by reenactors but by members of the Wampanoag Nation and other indigenous peoples. The museum also boasts a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower II in nearby Plymouth Harbor.

2. Hildene | Manchester, Vermont

Abraham Lincoln’s first son, Robert Todd Lincoln, had vacationed in Manchester as a boy, and came decades later to build Hildene in 1905. By then he had become a wealthy lawyer and railroad executive, and this 24-room Georgian Revival summer home reflects the success he found. There are many original furnishings and Lincoln family effects, and the 412-acre grounds offer walking trails, magnificent formal gardens, and a lovely Taconic Range backdrop. A sumptuously restored 1903 Pullman sleeping car is also preserved on-site.

3. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum | Boston, MA

It may be around 250 years later, but let’s face it: Re-enacting one of the American Revolution’s best-known acts of rebellion just never gets old. This is one our favorite kid-friendly New England historic sites and museums. On the authentically renovated wooden ships, visitors can soak up the cathartic thrill of dumping tea overboard after a quick history lesson via the holographic displays and films, then peruse the authentic tea chests from the original protest. 

See More: Rebels with a Cause: The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

4. Freedom Trail | Boston, MA

Sometimes, a collection of New England historic sites and museums join forces to create a mega-historic attraction, which is why no trip to Boston is complete without a few stops on the Freedom Trail, the 2.5-mile route past 16 of the city’s best-known historical landmarks. It’s arguably one of the most unique New England historic sites and museums! And while you can certainly navigate it on your own, you’ll learn a lot more about Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War and the growth of a new nation during the dramatic 90-minute Freedom Trail tours led by rangers from Boston National Historical Park, which encompasses several of the most famous sites, including the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall.

See More: The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts | Tips & Tricks

5 & 6. Shaker Villages | Canterbury, NH and Pittsfield, MA

With their belief in simplicity, equality of the sexes, communal living, pacifism, celibacy, and respect for nature, the Shaker way of life continues to fascinate and inspire us today. We are fortunate to have two Shaker Village sites on our list of top New England historic sites and museums, and so much care has been paid to their preservation that the men, women, and children who lived and worked there two centuries ago would still feel at home today. You can experience the living endurance of history in a stunning setting at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, New Hampshire. And don’t miss the baby animals, and the round stone barn at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

7. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center | Ledyard, CT

Count on the tribal nation that brought you Foxwoods Resort, one of the world’s largest casinos, to do preservation and education on an equally grand scale. Opened in 1998, its $135 million state-of-the-art museum and research center span some 20,000 years of Mashantucket Pequot history. The exhibits, stunning dioramas, and re-created Pequot Village will enhance both your awareness of the natural world and your appreciation for this remarkable nation’s story. Don’t miss the 50-foot-long diorama depicting a Caribou hunt 11,000 years ago.

8. Touro Synagogue | Newport, RI

We sometimes forget that not all religious New England historic sites and museums are churches. Dedicated in 1763, America’s oldest standing Jewish synagogue is a reminder that Colonial Newport not only tolerated this religious minority, but also welcomed its members into the ranks of its prosperous citizens. The Georgian architecture and stately interior add to the allure of this site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the 35,000 annual visitors are impressed by the building itself and the 500-year-old deerskin Torah housed there. But perhaps even more impressive is the way the synagogue still speaks to the enduring American dream.

9. Old Sturbridge Village | Sturbridge, MA

A perennial family favorite when it comes to New England historic sites and museums, this outdoor attraction, filled with historic buildings and costumed interpreters, depicts daily life in a rural New England village during the 1830s. See grain being ground into flour and a blacksmith at work; test your skills at milking a cow, husking corn, or spinning. Heirloom gardens feature fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental flowers.

10. Newport Mansions | Newport, RI

Attracting more than a million annual visitors, Newport Mansions — the name given to a curated collection of 11 historic properties — is the undisputed grand dame of the local architectural scene. Its holdings include turn-of-the-century “summer cottages” such as The Breakers, an 1895 mansion where the Vanderbilt family lived and entertained on a grand scale, and the 1892 Marble House, inspired by Marie Antoinette’s private palace at Versailles.

11. The Mark Twain House & Museum | Hartford, CT

It’s easy to imagine the humor, happiness, and hard times in Mark Twain’s family life when you visit the magnificent 25-room mansion where he wrote his famed novels, stories, essays, and travel commentary. Guided tours and related exhibits deepen the experience. Don’t miss this unique stop when making your list of must-see New England historic sites and museums – it feels as if the famous author is still there.

12. Mystic Seaport Museum | Mystic, CT

The state’s no. 1 attraction, covering 19 acres on the Mystic River, continues to pack ’em in. Interact with interpreters in the recreated New England seaport village, watch skilled shipwrights restore ships and small boats in the shipyard, play 19th-century games on the green, enjoy family fun in the children’s museums and planetarium, get out on the water for a guided tour, and look for special events throughout the year!

See More: Weekend Away in Mystic, Connecticut

13. Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH

Of all the New England historic sites and museums with a view, this one might literally be tops. When it was the home of manufacturing tycoon Thomas Plant in the first half of the 20th century, this mountaintop baronial estate was called Lucknow. Today it’s better known as Castle in the Clouds, and the home, along with its 5,380 acres and 28 miles of trails, is meticulously maintained by the Castle Preservation Society and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The Tiffany glass, the well-stocked library, the big billiard table, the guest room Teddy Roosevelt slept in – it’s all still there, along with the finest views from any house in New Hampshire.

14. Billings Farm and Museum | Woodstock, VT

Frederick Billings’s model farm, established by the railroad magnate when he returned to his native Woodstock in 1871, still showcases champion Jersey cows, Southdown sheep, and magnificent draft horses. Visit the 1890 farm manager’s home and creamery, learn about the farm work of yesteryear and today, and climb aboard for horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides. Interactive farm programs change with the seasons. 

15. New Bedford Whaling Museum | New Bedford, MA

Founded to preserve the history of the New Bedford whaling industry, this museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of scrimshaw, the largest library of whaling logbooks and journals, and the biggest model ship (not to mention four complete whale skeletons). And it continues to think big, as it recently unveiled The Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ’Round the World, an extensively restored 1,275-foot-long 19th-century painting that clocks in as the longest in North America.

If you find yourself on Nantucket Island, we also highly recommend the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

16. Yale University Museums | New Haven, CT

We love New England historic sites and museums that don’t cost a penny. Originally 3 historic buildings now laced together by a recent renovation, the Yale University Art Gallery showcases classic canvases by Hals, Trumbull, and van Gogh, among others. World-class art, all for free. Across the street, and also free to enjoy, is the Yale Center for British Art, the premier collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom. Rounding out the cultural three-fer is the Peabody Museum of Natural History, located to the north on Science Hill. Its cache of over 1.2 million objects includes the skeleton of the largest turtle species ever known, 11 feet long from snout to tail. You’ll need to pay a small admission fee to see the natural wonders here, but it’s worth it.

17. Norman Rockwell Museum | Stockbridge, MA

There’s something special about viewing Rockwell’s iconic images of American life, including full-size original paintings and all 323 of his The Saturday Evening Post covers, in the idyllic little town where many of them were created. But it’s not all Rockwell all the time. Temporary exhibitions delve into all facets of illustration, from comic books and cartoons to animation. You can also tour the carriage barn that became Rockwell’s Artist Studio.

18. Peabody Essex Museum | Salem, MA

Surrounded by the bustling attractions of spooky Salem, the oldest continuously operating museum in the U.S. is also one of the most ambitious. In addition to an array of African and Native American art and three centuries of New England art, the PEM boasts a cache of Asian art and cultural artifacts that includes the only complete Qing dynasty house located outside China. 

19. Harvard Museum of Natural History | Cambridge, MA

At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, visitors can peruse specimens collected from each of Harvard’s scientists since the university’s beginning. And what plunder there is to behold: rare prehistoric creatures, a stuffed buffalo, intricate glass flowers, and entire halls filled with gems and minerals bigger than many people.

20. Shelburne Museum | Shelburne, VT

A landlocked steamboat and lighthouse are only the tip of the iceberg at this collection of collections, which ranges from a miniature circus to duck decoys to hooked rugs to paintings by Monet, Degas, and Cassatt. Uniting them all is an unerring eye for timeless design and artistry in even the humblest medium.

21. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum | Boston, MA

Housed in a striking I.M. Pei–designed tower rising from the waterfront, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum brings to life the excitement and tensions of the Camelot years. Next door is the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, where visitors can explore the younger Kennedy’s political legacy and try their hand at being legislators in a full-scale reproduction of the U.S. Senate chambers.

22. Victoria Mansion | Portland, ME

Widely considered the most magnificently ornamented dwelling of its period remaining in the country, the mid-19th-century Victoria Mansion retains about 90 percent of designer Gustave Herter’s original furnishings. Jaw-droppers include a 6-by-25-foot stained-glass ceiling window, mind-boggling trompe l’oeil wall and ceiling flourishes, and the dizzying colors and patterns of the Turkish Smoking Room. 

See More: How the Victorian Became the Official House of Halloween

23. Strawbery Banke Museum | Portsmouth, NH

Of all the New England historic sites and museums to stroll, the 10 acres of Strawbery Banke Museum deserve top billing. Here, Portsmouth’s earliest settlers built houses and businesses, and the more than 30 preserved structures now tell local stories across different eras. Admire the grounds and architecture, then enjoy the sights and tastes of downtown Portsmouth.

See More: Best of Portsmouth, New Hampshire | 2023 Summer Travel Guide

24. Minuteman National Park | Concord & Lexington, MA

The history of the American Revolution comes alive on the five-mile Battle Road Trail between Concord and Lexington, thanks to educational plaques that spark the imagination. Highlights include the North Bridge, where the famous “shot heard ’round the world” was fired, and the park headquarters at Buttrick House, whose exhibits include the Hancock Cannon, a piece of artillery that the British were looking for when they marched into Concord.

See More: Spring Weekend in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

25. Maine Maritime Museum | Bath, ME

Flying along Route 1 at 50 mph, it’s easy to forget that the sea was the original highway when ships carried freight and passengers. Be reminded in a big way at the engaging Maine Maritime Museum, which offers everything from paintings of regal ships scudding before the wind to boat exhibits to workshops where you can see boats being built today.

How many of these have you visited and what other New England historic sites and museums would you add to the list?

The post 25 Best New England Historic Sites and Museums appeared first on New England.

When it comes to gardening these days, any desire I may have to put something into the ground is quickly drowned out by the demands of work and parenthood. I buy those pretty seed packets…but never plant them. I research plans for a pollinator garden…but never buy the supplies. I want to grow my own vegetables…but shopping at the local farm stand is faster (and hey, it lets me support my neighbor farmers!).

Basically, I have the interest but not the time. So what’s a busy garden lover to do? Turn to the Internet, naturally.

After searching for “garden classes near me,” I waved good-bye to my family and headed up to Tarrnation Flower Farm in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, for a four-hour workshop on dahlias. Tarrnation is a family farm, and instructor Vanessa Tarr is the ultimate farmer: hardworking, resourceful, and blessed with an infectious passion for everything she grows. Her father, Reggie, bought the seven-acre property from a potato farmer in 1997, and Vanessa spent her childhood learning the ropes. She later worked for a local floral designer and on flower farms as far away as Washington and Spain.

When Reggie stepped back from running the farm 10 years ago, it was the perfect opportunity for Vanessa to lead Tarrnation into becoming the floral paradise it is today. In addition to hosting a farm stand, Tarrnation offers spring and summer “flower shares,” is a regular at the nearby Littleton farmers’ market, hosts workshops like the one I had signed up for, and styles fresh, in-season flowers for weddings and other special events.

Late summer is peak dahlia season, and I was amazed to see how many colors and sizes grew on the farm. Some had tight, spherical blooms with neat curls of petals, while others were huge by comparison (earning them the nickname “dinner-plate dahlias”), with petals that were softer, like a peony’s. As we strolled the open-air beds and greenhouses, clipping blooms for our arrangements, Vanessa cheerfully fielded questions about when to deadhead and how to prevent bug damage without pesticides.

Back in the workshop, she walked us through the steps for creating a show-stopper display, aided by an enormous “flower bar” of bonus blooms to use as we pleased. Using the same materials, nine of us came up with nine totally different arrangements—a lovely reminder of the endless possibilities of nature’s palette.

I had arrived that day knowing only that dahlias have lots of petals and come in lots of colors, but I left brimming with inspiration from an afternoon of learning, creating, and, frankly, just putting my phone down and getting my hands dirty.

I kept my flowers on my kitchen counter until the last petal fell. Every time I looked at them, I remembered the thrill of selecting and snipping each bloom. The satisfaction of finding the perfect spot in the vase. The joys of nature, even in small sips. These days, that’s just the kind of gardener I am. And it’ll do. tarrnationflowerfarm.com

Best Buds 101

Flower arranging doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few supplies, you can create something beautiful to gift a friend or enjoy yourself for days to come. Start with fresh flowers from the garden, a farmers’ market, or even your local florist. Along with showstopping blooms, make sure you have a variety of greenery and a supporting cast of secondary flowers in different shapes and colors. Then, with the help of some chicken wire and the perfect vase, you’ll be ready to arrange like a pro.

More New England Gardening Experiences

Craving a hands-on gardening experience? These farms, garden centers, and floral design studios are just a sampling of the many places in New England where you can learn, plant, arrange, and share the joys of nature.

Cedar Circle Farm | East Thetford, VT

As part of its larger agricultural educational mission, the nonprofit Cedar Circle Farm offers classes in “plants with a purpose” (think pollinator, medicinal, and edible) and maker-related themes such as create-your-own bouquets, using natural dyes, and crafting macrame plant hangers.

Cross Street Flower Farm | Norwell, MA

With more than 50 varieties of cut flowers, Cross Street Flower Farm hosts regular pick-your-own events throughout the season, including weekly sunset sessions, along with floral design workshops and even yoga classes held in the flower fields.

Greenlion Design | Newport, RI

Learn from the pros at Greenlion Design, named one of the top floral design studios in the country by Martha Stewart Weddings. Seasonal workshops teach how to create natural-looking arrangements using floral “frogs,” plus garden-to-vase instruction using flowers and foliage from your own yard.

Foxglove Farmhouse | York, ME

This small-but-mighty flower farm in coastal Maine teams up with nearby Slack Tide Sea Salt to lead unique summer workshops that pair guided floral arrangement with a custom sea-salt blending activity.

Hollister House Garden | Washington, CT

Tucked into Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, Hollister House Garden is an American interpretation of classic English gardens, making it the ideal spot to learn about garden fundamentals, design and planting plans, watercolor journaling, and flower arranging.

Snug Harbor Farm | Kennebunk, ME

The legendary coastal Maine garden center and lifestyle boutique offers a plethora of workshops on themes like succulents, kokedama (moss-covered balls of soil), container annuals, and summer tablescapes.

The post Tarrnation Flower Farm & 6 More New England Gardening Experiences appeared first on New England.

Between 1977 and 1987, photographer Joel Greenberg captured everyday images on his seasonal home of Vinalhaven Island. The people, places, and scenic landscapes were featured in a 1989 one-man show to commemorate Vinalhaven’s Bicentennial Year, but then remained out of sight until recently, when a collaboration with well-known writer and island native Phil Crossman led to the publication of Vinalhaven: Portrait of a Maine Island.

The remarkable photographs within can be credited both to the photographer’s eye and the camera itself. They were captured using a 1929 Century Universal Field camera; an 8” x 10” view camera, which produced negatives 60 times bigger than the common 35mm, resulting in a mesmerizing display of detail, sharpness, and tonal range.

The camera, along with the tripod and film holders, weighed 20-plus pounds, but on par with the effort to capture the images was the lengthy process to develop them. Joel processed the film by hand, most of it in his cottage in a converted bedroom darkroom, combining chemicals from scratch and washing the film using a kitchen handpump supplied from a local pond. He recalls that the flow would sometimes be slowed by a beaver dam upstream, which required him to “just go and open up the beaver dam a little to get water flowing again.”

The publication of Vinalhaven: Portrait of a Maine Island gave many who love the island a reason to renew their admiration and affection. Here’s how Joel describes its reception:

Its popularity is way beyond a photo book. It touches people deeply in a way that few photographs or art can. I had exhibits and many things published over the years. People have appreciated and admired my work but this is the first work that I created that has struck a deep personal chord. It is the book and all the elements that have gone into it. Everyone that has contributed to it.

Joel credits the book’s success to the sum of its passionate Vinalhaven parts: personal narratives from Phil Crossman, a foreword by Andrew Cohen, editing from Mary Gooderham, book design by Lucian Burg, and a beautiful website from Brent Pruner.

It is available for purchase through https://www.vinalhavenbook.com and at many independent Maine bookshops.

The post Scenes from “Vinalhaven: Portrait of a Maine Island” | Featured Photographer Joel Greenberg appeared first on New England.

When my husband and I were first house hunting, our dream was to find a 1920’s craftsman bungalow with a snug fireplace, original woodwork, and a roomy front porch. We ended up buying a sweet cape that we love, but I still find myself clicking on every bungalow I see when scrolling online real estate sites There’s just something about their cozy, suburban, pre-war charm that says “home” to me. This 1920 bungalow in Scituate, Rhode Island, was recently renovated from top to bottom, while retaining a few key elements of its original charm. Located a half-hour west of Providence, it’s sure to become another family home in no time. I hope it gets to make another hundred years of memories. Have a look and see if it looks like home to you!

What do you think of this Rhode Island bungalow reno? See more of our favorite New England real estate spotlights!

Editorial Note: Yankee editors like to mosey around and see, out of sheer curiosity, what turns up when you go house hunting online. We have no stake in the sale whatsoever and would decline it if offered.

Home Details

Price: $449,900 • 1,368 Square Feet:  • Acres: .69 • Beds: 3  • Baths: 2
(Gregory Coupe, Long Realty, Inc., 401-447-7048)

The post House For Sale: An Updated 1920 Rhode Island Bungalow appeared first on New England.

If you close your eyes and imagine the ultimate modern storybook one-room A-frame cabin in the woods to unplug, this property in southwest Maine would have to be a top contender. It’s colorful on the outside, but calm and neutral on the inside. It’s solar-powered, but still has lights and a charging area. It’s one room, but there’s a sleeping loft with skylight views of the stars. The bathroom is outside, but it has a shower, compost toilet, and sink. It’s on ten acres of wilderness, but the bustle of Portland is just over an hour away. I love the thought of a stripped-down nature getaway wrapped in a clean environment with a working shower and toilet, so it’s easy to see why I find this cabin is utterly irresistible. Have a look and see if you agree!

Is this your idea of the perfect tiny Maine cabin?

Listing Notes: The property is currently used as a short term rental with an established rental history. It comes furnished, and can easily be converted to power if preferred.

Editorial Note: Yankee editors like to mosey around and see, out of sheer curiosity, what turns up when you go house hunting online. We have no stake in the sale whatsoever and would decline it if offered.

Home Details

Price: $199,000 • 416 Square Feet:  • 10.8 Acres:  • Rooms: 2  • Baths: 2
(Real Estate 2000 ME/NH, 207-636-9996)

The post House For Sale | A Modern, Tiny Solar A-Frame Cabin in Maine appeared first on New England.

Some people dream about escaping to a private island. For others, the dream is a knotty pine cabin with a massive fireplace. Still others want to be able to swim year-round. But for the person that wants all three of these — behold, the all-season log cabin on a private Maine island with an indoor swimming pool.

This property, located in the town of Freedom ninety miles north of Portland, can appear ordinary if you’re thoughtlessly scrolling. I originally thought it was a sweet little seventies L-shaped cabin with a wraparound porch. But then I kept clicking, and the surprises kept coming. The massive great room with endless windows looking over Sandy Pond. The colorful, homey kitchen. The indoor recreation area.

It’s a New England escape that refuses to be just one thing, and it’s easy to imagine a family making years of memories here, in every season. Have a look and see if it checks any of your dream boxes.

Is this your dream upscale log cabin? See more of our favorite New England real estate spotlights!

Home Details

Price: $2,250,000 • Square Feet: 3,602 • Acres: 12 • Beds: 3 • Baths: 3
Camden Real Estate Company, info@camdenre.com

The post House For Sale: An All-Season 1974 Log Cabin on a Private Maine Island appeared first on New England.

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift that combines cozy vibes and New England charm? From hand-crafted mugs and marshmallows to warm blankets and artisanal chocolates, these 10 thoughtful and cozy New England gifts are sure to make your loved ones (or just you!) feel extra special this winter season.

10 Cozy New England Gifts

Winter Woods Mug from Goodland Pottery in Montville, Maine

A pine tree-moon motif makes these stoneware mugs from Goodland Pottery the perfect vessel for fireside sipping. We love their oversized Birch Mugs, too. ($50)

Gourmet Marshmallows from Sweet Lydia’s in Lowell, Massachusetts

The pillow-y, small-batch marshmallows from Sweet Lydia’s come in both classic and seasonal flavors like gingerbread and spiced chai. I like the traditional assortment bag of coconut, mocha, raspberry, and vanilla. If you’re sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, you can also nab handmade candy bars, s’mores, caramels, and toffee.
($8)

Match Striker from Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock, Vermont

You won’t be able to resist sitting fireside with this stylish match striker from Farmhouse Pottery. Not only does it hold matches, you can strike them directly on the specially blended stoneware. ($50)

Chappy Blankets from ChappyWrap in Portland, Maine

When it comes to cozy New England gifts, it’s hard to top a snuggly blanket! A woven blend of premium cotton makes the “perfectly oversized” Chappy blanket from ChappyWrap soft, durable, and perfect for shared snuggling. Choose from classic striped, herringbone, floral, and seasonal limited-edition prints. ($150 )

Round Cheese Board from JK Adams in Dorest, Vermont

A cracker groove in this sustainably-sourced maple cheese board keeps your favorite meats, cheeses, and more neatly organized for nibbling. Choose from two sizes, 12- or 16-inch. (starting at $69)

See More: Open Studio | JK Adams Cutting Boards

Winter Candles from Seawicks Candle Company in Richmond, Maine

Add ambiance to any room with cheerful 100% soy wax Seawicks candles. Their classic candles have fun New England-y names (think Strawberry Picking, Summer Swim, and Great North Woods), as do the limited-edition winter scents like Frosty Coast and Fuzzy Maine Sweater. ($16)

Alpine Frost Handmade Soap from Center Street Soap Co. in Manchester, Connecticut

The small-batch soaps from Center Street Soap Co. are so pretty you won’t want to use them, but you should! With scents like Winter Garden (light and floral), Sugar Plum (bright and fruity), and Alpine Frost (warm and woodsy), there’s a perfect bar for everyone. ($9)

Flannel Robe from The Vermont Flannel Company in East Barre, Vermont

Made with organic cotton and brushed for durable softness, the cheerful flannel robes from Vermont Flannel will keep you warm for years to come. Add a night shirt or pair of lounge pants for an even bigger dose of cozy. Shop online or visit one of their nine retail stores in Vermont and Maine. ($130)

Everyday Chocolate Assortment from L.A. Burdick in Walpole, New Hampshire

Who says cozy New England gifts can’t be edible? Indulge in the perfect handmade artisan chocolate assortment from one of our top-rated confectioners in New England, including their signature chocolate mouse. Available in three sizes. Shop online, at their New Hampshire headquarters, or one of three Boston-area locations. (starting at $36)

Warming Winter Beverages Basket from NewEngland.com

Filled with a curated collection of Yankee editor favorites, including Wood Stove Kitchen Mulling Spices, Curio Spice Poet Tea, and Stonewall Kitchen Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix, our Taste of New England: Warming Winter Beverages gift basket has the perfect warming drink for every winter warrior. ($70)

What are your favorite cozy New England gifts?

The post 10 Cozy New England Gifts for Valentine’s Day appeared first on New England.