New England Town of the Day: Foxboro, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.The hundreds of thousands of people who visit Foxboro (also spelled Foxborough), MA, yearly for a New England Patriots football game or shopping and entertainment at the adjoining, soon-to-be-completed Patriot Place might not even know that there's a real, live town here. Foxboro, a town of about 16,000 about 25 miles southwest of Boston, is true "small town America," blessed with a quaint downtown, a large circular village...

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New England's Hearty Appetite for the Phantom Gourmet

Article and photo (Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield, MA) by Eric H.For those of you with a hearty appetite and who are constantly searching for the best New England restaurants, we recommend visiting the Phantom Gourmet, watching its show on Channel 38 Boston (Saturdays 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.) and listening on WTKK 96.9 FM Boston radio on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. (it's amazing how they can be in two places at the same time!). With hungry...

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New England Town of the Day: Oxford, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.The Main Street of Oxford, MA, features just about everything that is good about a traditional New England small town: a wide tree-shaded street with great sidewalks, grand old Colonial and Victorian homes with cozy front porches, tall white steeple churches, a classic old library, a park and town common, and a diner. The diner, Carl's, offering some of the hugest breakfasts we've ever seen, really showcases the close-knit...

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New England-Based Businesses Offering Unique and Familiar Christmas Gifts

Article by Eric H.It's not even Halloween yet, but let's admit it: the Christmas/holiday shopping season showed signs of evolving after Labor Day in some stores. And reality is that we are less than two months away from the holiday season -- we all know how quickly two months can pass.I have researched some New England businesses that offer high quality merchandise for the whole family. You can view some of these businesses and their Christmas and holiday gift ideas at VisitingNewEngland.com. Businesses include the Vermont Teddy Bear Company...

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New England Town of the Day: Sandwich, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.Sandwich, MA, pleasantly combines two of the best elements of New England: the quaint white steeple church, tree-lined, Colonial home downtown look and the seaside charm of New England. Proving that you don't have to drive too far through Cape Cod to get the true essence of this legendary vacation destination, Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod incorporated in 1639, is just minutes from the Sagamore Bridge -- connecting...

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New England Town of the Day: Barrington, RI

Article and photo by Eric H.Barrington, RI, doesn't get the press that nearby Newport and Bristol receive, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a idyllic New England coastal town. Primarily an upscale residential community, Barrington features plenty of splendid water views with the Warren River on the east and the Narragansett Bay on the west and south. Barrington is also located on the East Bay Bike Path, spanning 14 miles from Providence to...

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In Search of the Best Maine Blueberry Pie

Article by Eric H., Photo Courtesy of HiddenBoston.comI love blueberries. They are packed with antioxidants, taste great and, better yet, transform into something more magical in the form of a pie. Here in New England, we are not exactly bereft of great-tasting blueberry pie. The blueberries often come straight from the source, Maine, creating the foundation for locals to practice the art and science of making the perfect Maine blueberry pie.Out...

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New England Town of the Day: Essex, CT

Article and photo by Eric H.Perhaps best epitomizing the quaintness of a small Connecticut Colonial seaport town, Essex is a true visual delight with its idyllic location on the Connecticut River. Tucked away in south central Connecticut, Essex boasts a picturesque marina, beautiful town park with gazebo, quintessential historic New England lodging at the landmark Griswold Inn, and 14 miles of sidewalks leading you past historic homes and interesting...

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Bath, Maine, Getting Ready for the Holiday Season

Intro by Eric H., Bath holiday event info, courtesy of VisitMaine.comWe've written before in The Weekly New England Travel and Vacation Blog about Bath, Maine, as a wonderful, coastal mid-Maine travel and vacation destination. A truly authentic small Maine city with a vibrant, historical downtown, travelers often think of Bath as a summer travel spot, given its proximity to beaches and all the great benefits that come with it -- seafood restaurants,...

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The Pleasant Pocket of Small Towns in Norfolk County, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.As the Boston, MA, suburbs move toward a more overcrowded, unfriendly, keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mentality, there is a pocket of towns southwest of Boston that remain generally more laid-back, quaint and friendly.The towns of Walpole, Norfolk, Millis, Medfield, Medway, Wrentham and Franklin comprise a series of close-knit Norfolk County communities that include pretty village greens, meandering country roads leading...

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Capturing the New England Flavor: Wolfeboro Station, NH

Article and photo by Eric H.Wolfeboro, NH, is truly a special vacation or day trip treat, with several nice downtown stores and restaurants, and the amazing views of the eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the mountains framing this idyllic, little town. With all the great lake and mountain views, however, I keep coming back to the Wolfeboro Station building as this town's greatest representation of New England's character. Sort of like a...

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The Storrow Pond Trail at Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.We're always looking for the best hidden, not-too-taxing New England hiking gems, and we'd have to put the Storrow Pond Trail at Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA, in that category. Starting at Hale's main entrance, the wide trails, complemented by some pretty slopes, take you by some truly beautiful views of Storrow and Noanet Ponds. If you didn't know it, you'd think you were in New Hampshire, not minutes from overcrowded...

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Old-Fashioned Fall Fun at The Big Apple Farm in Wrentham, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.The Big Apple Farm, located in the tiny Sheldonville section of Wrentham, MA, serves as an old-fashioned working American farm in business since 1950 and a rural community travel attraction on over 200 serene acres.We consider The Big Apple Farm the best local farm in the southwest Boston suburbs, a salt-of-the-earth destination that favors authenticity over tourist trap cheesiness. For starters, there's seasonal fruit...

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Small-Town Feel with Great Downtown Near Boston?

Article and photos (top to bottom: Walpole, Newburyport, Walpole and North Attleborough) by Eric H.I received the following e-mail from a reader interested in moving to a vibrant, small town within an hour to Boston, MA (we'd appreciate your reader feedback on this posting):I hope you can help. My husband and I love New England and want to call it home. We recently visited Northampton and love the small town feel with the eclectic mix of old and...

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A Truly Bad Art Museum in Dedham, MA

Article and photos by Eric H.The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) in Dedham, MA, certainly doesn't practice any false advertising when stating its mission: "Art too bad to be ignored."Located in a dingy basement in the Dedham Community Theater just outside the restroom, this community-based, private institution founded in 1993 is "dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms and in all its glory," as stated...

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A Return to Franconia State Park in New Hampshire

Article and photos by Eric H.On a recent trip to Northeast Kingdom Vermont, we drove through one of New England's most beautiful regions, Franconia State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountain scenery and fall foliage colors were beautiful, as always, but the brief visit brought back equally beautiful memories of spending time here as a child.I remember my Mom and Dad taking us with great frequency to Franconia State Park during...

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Maine Fall Foliage Updates

Colorful fall foliage leaf peeping opportunities still exist in Maine, most notably in southern Maine and all coastal locations over the next several days, according to the Department of Conservation's final fall foliage report of the season. We recommend viewing the map in this post to see current conditions and to visit MaineFoliage.com for continuous updates -- or VisitMaine.com for the latest events and activities for your Maine vacation.Two...

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Boston Area Country Store Evokes Memories of Vermont

Article and photo by Eric H.The Old Country Store and Emporium in West Mansfield Village, MA, looks like someone took a village from Vermont, put it on a flatbed truck and brought it to the Boston suburbs.Located in a Vermont-like neighborhood with old Colonial and country homes, a peaceful-looking modest old church, tree-lined streets, and a solitude occasionally interrupted by a rushing train, the Old Country Store and Emporium becomes even "more...

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A Travel Idea for a New England Fall Sunday Afternoon

Article and photos by Eric H.Bird Park, in Walpole, MA, offers 89 acres of walking paths, trails and granite bridges, ponds, streams, tree groves and rolling meadows. It's easily one of eastern Massachusetts' most beautiful parks, courtesy of its dedicated, prideful owners, The Trustees of Reservations.This well-maintained, special East Walpole destination also features a nice playground for the kids, as well as tennis and basketball courts. Fall...

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Stars Restaurant Shines at Hingham Harbor

Article and photo by Eric H.Every community should have a restaurant like Star's on Hingham Harbor in Hingham, MA, located about 20 miles south of Boston. Friendly, cozy, and reasonably priced, this dining spot with views of Hingham Harbor serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a creative streak. Always going the extra mile, the Shepherd's Pie, as an example, isn't just ground beef, mashed potatoes and corn: there's also a herb tomato demi glaze...

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Back to the Good Old Days at the Lynburke Lodge and Motel

Article and photos by Eric H.There's nothing wrong with staying at a luxury hotel every once in a while, but sometimes a return to yesterday feels best by staying at a no frills, clean motel.The Lynburke Motel, in Lyndonville, VT, reminds me of the sunny, friendly, reasonably-priced New England motels we used to stay as children like the Springs in Pittsfield, MA, Indian Head in North Woodstock, Vt., and Kimball Terrace in Northeast Harbor, Maine....

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The Beloved Miss Lyndonville Diner

Article and photo by Eric H.When locals rave about a local restaurant, we take that as a cue to put aside the travel guide dining recommendations and do as the natives do.While staying at a local motel in Lyndonville, Vt., the owners and staff praised the Miss Lyndonville Diner -- almost approaching filibuster status about the virtues of this diner. They told us that the Miss Lyndonville is where everyone goes for the delicious muffins, and oversized,...

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Peace and Quiet in Suburban Boston at Adams Farm

Article and photo by Eric H.Walk about a mile into Adams Farm in Walpole, MA, and you'll hear something quite unfamiliar to the Boston, MA, suburbs: absolute silence.With the exception of leaves rustling, birds chirping or other melodious sounds of nature, the chance to get away from it all in an otherwise developed area results in a refreshing, tranquil feeling.Adams Farm, off North St., features more than 365 acres of town-owned land,hundreds...

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Northern Rhode Island Near or at Fall Foliage Peak

Article and photo by Eric H.Northern Rhode Island currently offers many areas of peak fall foliage. One of New England's more underrated travel destinations, northern Rhode Island has many roadside farm stands and small restaurants, scenic rural views and historic mill towns and cities within the Blackstone Valley.We recently drove through the Cumberland, RI, area, where the leaves around the Cumberland Reservoir area were spectacular!One great...

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Life is a Merry-Go-Round at Nantasket Beach, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.I found no "amusement" when Paragon Park at Nantasket Beach in Hull, MA, closed in 1984 to give way for cold and clinical condo development. This once-magnificent amusement park landmark -- bringing thrills to locals since the early 1900s -- brought a festive quality of life to this coastal community, just 20 miles south of Boston and easily accessible from our suburban locations.While Nantasket Beach has made a bit of...

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An Instant Favorite Restaurant in Nashua, NH

Article and photo by Eric H.Too many times upon returning from vacation, we have ended up at restaurants with witch-type waitresses, service that could be done better by a turtle, and a kitchen out of everything except water and a toothpick.Martha's Exchange, in Nashua, NH, served as the antidote to this disturbing dining trend. Located off the wide, brick sidewalks of surprisingly pleasant Main St. in a historic, restored 1872 Victorian building,...

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An Old New Hampshire Town Moves Into the 21st Century

Article and photos by Eric H.Littleton, NH, a historic mill town beautifully situated at the edge of the White Mountains near Vermont, could have been just another dying New England industrial community but, fortunately, has employed a vision to make the most of its modest, rural location.The downtown is surely one of New Hampshire's best examples attracting businesses that have ultimately attracted visitors and pleased residents looking for a full...

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For the Love of Country Stores and Pizza

Article and photo by Eric H.Country stores in Vermont are best known for their Vermont clothing, arts and crafts, furnishings, souvenirs, regional food and sweets, gift baskets, Christmas gifts and penny candy, but how about some pizza?Bailey's and Burke, in East Burke, VT (near the Burke Ski Area), has all the bells and whistles of a country store with its "past and present" gifts within a classic, old wooden country store two-story building featuring...

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Commanding Fall Foliage Views Today at Burke Mountain

Article and Photo by Eric H.Most of the fall foliage in Northeast Kingdom Vermont is past peak, but you'll still get some great leaf peeping opportunities in certain areas of this quiet, high and lonesome region.The views from Burke Mountain, pictured in this article, still afford beautiful panoramic views of the vast mountain ranges in this region. We recommend traveling there as soon as possible before all the foliage is gone. If you're not able...

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Lyndon Freighthouse on Track as a First-Rate Restaurant and Gift Shop

Article and photo by Eric H.When in Vermont, it's always good to feel like you're in Vermont -- that's not always easy, given the growing gentrification of the region.The Lyndon Freigthouse, in the "Northeast Kingdom" laid-back town of Lyndonville, VT, will bring you right into the heart and soul of traditional Vermont with a restaurant, gift shop, railroad museum, coffee shop, ice cream parlor and information center all set within a historical building....

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The Perfect New Hampshire Lake Travel Getaway

Article and Photo by Eric H.Echo Lake Beach is located right off busy Route 93 in Franconia Notch, NH, on the slopes of popular Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains, but seems like a million miles away from civilization. This pristine 28-acre beach features incredibly peaceful views of where the Franconia and Kinsman Ranges meet, thus creating a notch. In the fall, the foliage is "top-notch," while the June 20-Sept. 1 timeframe brings visitors...

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Chutters is One Sweet Candy Shop

Article and Photo by Eric H.Chutters in Littleton, NH, holds the world's record for longest candy counter at 111 ft. and 11 inches -- certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The choice of candy is truly amazing, featuring hard-to-find sweets like Malo Cups, Necco Wafers, Hard Rock Candy and Sour Balls. The penny candy section is most impressive with more than 60 jars of candy that still costs a penny for each item. There's also a colorful...

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The Special Roadside Farm Feeling at Phantom Farms in Cumberland, RI

Article and Photo by Eric H.Phantom Farms might have a slightly menacing name, but you'll feel quite relaxed and refreshed visiting this friendly Cumberland, RI, apple orchard and farm stand.With cornstalks, rocking chairs, deep orange pumpkins and colorful flowers gracing its wide front porch and adjoining snack deck, Phantom Farms creates a perfect New England country roadside stand atmosphere that gets even better once inside. The store features...

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Markey's Lobster Pool Open for Columbus Day Weekend!

Article and photo by Eric H.With its lively indoor and outdoor summer shack seafood scene, Markey's Lobster Pool in Seabrook, NH, seems like the perfect hot weather New England dining destination but why stop something so good with the change of seasons?The southern coastal New Hampshire landmark will be open for lunch and dinner this Columbus Day Weekend -- good news for those who love lobsters from an on site lobster pool, delicious and substantial...

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