Scenic Six
Plus: Mother’s Day plans, Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, and New Hampshire Renaissance Faire.
You’re reading Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Racking your brain for something to get mom this Mother’s Day? How about a change of scenery? I’ve rounded up a handful of Mother’s Day getaways for your consideration (murder mystery in the Green Mountains, anyone?).
Also on tap this week: Cape Cod boasts the nation’s best restaurant for waterfront dining, Rhode Island is gearing up for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, and a popular family-friendly resort is offering a deep discount for one day only on May 1.
Mother’s Day getaways in every New England state
Regional hotels are rolling out the red carpet for mom, offering everything from spa services to murder mystery dinners to brunches and outdoor tours over Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-11). So perhaps this is the year to take mom on an overnight stay for the holiday. New Hampshire’s majestic Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is even hosting a big band weekend.
Save money on Boston activities in May
Having fun in the city doesn’t have to cost money. Discover free things to do in Boston this May, which includes a Cinco de Mayo party in Downtown Crossing and the annual Lilac Sunday event at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. The latter is full of activities for the whole family, including crafts, displays, and food vendors.
Waterfront dining, anyone? Massachusetts reigns supreme.
Beach House Grill at Chatham Bars Inn was just named the best restaurant in America for waterfront dining. Chatham is full of Cape magic. Round out your day at the observation deck at Chatham Fish Pier, where you can relax on a bench, enjoy the gorgeous scenery, watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch, and maybe even spot some seals (we did last time we were there!). Also worth noting: Harding’s Beach is widely considered a stellar spot for sunset watching.
Travel Tips
- Step back in time at the New Hampshire Renaissance Faire, which will bring food, live music, shopping, demonstrations, archery, acrobatics, and even a royal court to the fairgrounds in Fremont during the weekends of May 10-11 and May 17-18.
- Get your seafood fix at the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival May 17-18. Enjoy live music, signature cocktails, and shellfish under the signature striped tents on historic Bowen’s Wharf. The rain or shine event is free, but food and drink must be purchased.
- There’s good news for Fenway Park event goers (and city goers in general): Cisco Brewers just opened its newest location near Fenway Park and will open two hours before all games and concerts. Bring on the island vibes!
Deals and Steals
- In honor of the 25th anniversary of NSYNC’s “It’s gonna be me,” Great Wolf Lodge is running a “It’s gonna be May” promo for one day only on Thursday, May 1: Save up to 51% off stays between May 1 and Aug. 14 by using the promo code BEMAY.
- The iconic Veranda House on Nantucket was just rebuilt after a devastating fire and travelers can save up to 15% on extended stays through June with the promo code ESSEN. Take a look inside the property, which reopened in April.
- Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) will offer free admission to Massachusetts residents on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during its Memorial Day Open House. Tickets are available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will enjoy music, dance, art making, and more.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took last summer of the seals we spotted at Chatham Fish Pier in Chatham.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
