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 July 2, 2007
BOSTON But, no matter how wide your screen may be or how surrounded you are by your fancy sound system, there's nothing like seeing and hearing fireworks live. Here are some of the other places in the state to view fireworks: NORTH OF BOSTON
ELSEWHERE IN THE STATE
Photo: boston.com June 25, 2007
Hello Arthur. We will be visiting New England the last week in August. We have never been in that area of the US. We will be flying into Chicopee, MA and want to know some of the sights we need to see in Massachusetts for a couple of days. We want to make round trip from the airport throughout some of the adjoining states. Can you give me a list of must-sees in the general area? Two days, eh Bert? I'm not sure that's enough time to visit Chicopee, let alone the rest of the state. Massachusetts may look relatively small on a U.S. map, but there are some distinct, diverse regions here and plenty to see and do in all of them. Narrowing it down to create a two-day itinerary would depend a lot on your interests, the age levels of your traveling party, your budget, and other factors. Do you want to see historic sites? Museums? Nature? Beaches? The list goes on. But, I'll give it a shot and offer some general thoughts. I couldn't imagine visiting Massachusetts for the first time without heading to Boston. The world-class, walking-friendly city offers history, culture, shopping, dining, and more. Among the sites to explore are the history-rich Freedom Trail, the simultaneously upscale and tacky Chntzy, er, Quincy Market (consider dining at the ancient and oh-so-Boston Durgin-Park), and the lovely Boston Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the U.S., and the home of the quirky Swan Boats. Since you're flying in and out of Chicopee, which is in the central part of the state, you could head west to the breathtaking Berkshires. The mountains are lovely, and there are many sites to visit, including the Norman Rockwell Museum, Mass MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), and the verdant Mohawk Trail. That's more than two days worth of fun, and I haven't even touched on Cape Cod (visiting Massachusetts in the summer and not frolicking on the Cape's beaches would be crazy--crazy, I tell you), Salem and the rest of the North Shore, and countless other spots beckoning throughout our fair state. Bert, why not give yourself at least a week in Massachusetts alone or plan on coming back when you can spend more time? Photo: The Swan Boats of Boston June 20, 2007
Hello Arthur. We are visiting the Cape for the first time over the 4th of July holiday and would like to know whether fireworks will be visible from the beach at our hotel, the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster. Hi Pamm. Thanks for writing. There will be plenty of kabooms lighting up the night skies over the Cape on or around July 4. Here is a list of where you (and anyone else seeking a fireworks fix) can find the pyrotechnics:
Pamm, your best bet would probably be Orleans. Still, I'd suggest you travel to the communities where the fireworks will be staged for best viewing. Have a great vacation! Photo: townspi.com May 31, 2007
Hi Arthur. My wife Audrey and I are visiting Cape Cod from 14 to 18 June 2007, from England. We are both in our early 60s. Do you have any advice on where to go and what to see whilst we are on holiday? Thanks for writing, Fred. First of all, it's great that you (apparently) don't hold any hard feelings about that Boston Tea Party brouhaha. I say, let bygones be bygones; we're happy to welcome you to our fair commonwealth. Second of all, we here in the States enjoy the peculiarities of the King's English that you've shared with us. You wrote: "Do you have any advice on where to go and what to see whilst we are on holiday?" The rough Massachusetts translation of that sentence would be: "Do youse know any wicked good places to pahty on the Cape?" Third of all (and I had better wrap this up soon, because I'm running out of fingers), Cape Cod is a wicked huge peninsula on the eastern coast of Massachusetts. There are a myriad of places to visit, stay, dine, play, and explore--far too many to summarize in a five-day itinerary. That doesn't mean you couldn't put together a wonderful vacation, er, holiday; it just means you'll have to do a little pre-planning to find the accommodations, restaurants, sights, and activities that fit your budget and interests. Any Cape Cod jaunt would have to include a visit to at least one of its many beaches. I suggest you put the National Seashore on your itinerary. Operated by the National Park Service, the stretch of beaches from Eastham to Provincetown is among the world's most beautiful. With its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and its feisty surf (perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding), my favorite is Coast Guard Beach. For a more romantic setting (hey, folks in their early 60s need some romance, too!), you could plan a twilight walk along Nauset Light Beach. After you experience the crashing waves, sandy dunes, cool breezes, and twinkling reflections of the moon and lighthouse beacon in the water, you just may fall in love with old Cape Cod--and each other all over again. To get a better handle on all that Cape Cod has to offer and begin planning your getaway, here are some resources:
Have a great Cape Cod holiday. We'd love to hear about what you did. Write back and share some of the highlights with us. -Arthur Photo: National Park Service May 14, 2007
Hi Arthur, my husband, my two daughters and their husbands, and my two grandsons, ages 5 and 2 will be visiting Cape Cod the week of June 16. We usually spend one day in Hyannis and one in P-town. [That's Provincetown for you out-of-towners.] Can you suggest any other activities (including beaches) for us? Thanks. Thanks for writing Bonnie. Sure, I can offer some Cape Cod touring tips:
Whatever you end up doing, have a ball on your Cape family trip. Photo: A lifeguard chair looks out to the blue ocean at Coast Guard Beach, on the Cape Cod National Seashore, in Eastham. T.S. Amarasiriwardena, Explore New England.com. August 14, 2006
We 're taking a family vacation in North Truro Aug. 18 to 25: We'll be traveling with 2 adults and 3 kids, ages 3, 6, and 9. Will there be any special events in P-Town or nearby, such as fireworks, carnivals, or festivals? Thanks! Thanks for writing Patty. To the best of my knowledge, there won't be any fireworks or carnivals on the Cape at that time. But there are a few events that you may want to check out, including... The 35th Festival of the Arts, August 18, 19, 20 at Chase Park in beautiful Chatham. There will be a national juried exhibition presented by the town's Creative Arts Center along with children's activities and food. Admission is free. 508-945-3583. The 34th Annual Orleans Arts & Crafts Show, August 19 & 20 at Nauset Middle School on Rt. 28 in Orleans. There will be more than 100 professional artists and craftsmen. Free admission. Family Day at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, August 19 at the museum on Route 6A in Dennis. Kite-making, arts & crafts booths, easel drawing, museum tours, music, and other activities. Free admission. 508-385-4477 Family Fun, Historical & Heritage Event on August 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Josiah Dennis Manse Museum in Dennis. There will be a 1700s reenactment with costumed interpreters and a Colonial Militia encampment performing drills. Donations appreciated. 508-385-2232 Croquet Party and Picnic on August 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. To kick off the town's 2007 Centennial Celebration, there will be croquet lessons, demonstrations, and a tournament. There will also be a children's area with activities. Free admission to event & grounds. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 508-487-1310 Have a (croquet) ball on your vacation. -Arthur Photo: Bold Bluff Web site August 7, 2006
I am looking for a casual place for lobster on the Cape! Can you recommend somewhere with a view, and maybe even on the beach? Sure Ginny. Thanks for writing. The Cape is a big place, and you didn't mention where you'll be heading. So, I'll offer a few spots around Cape Cod for your consideration. At the gateway to the Cape, the Lobster Trap in Bourne (290 Shore Rd, 508-759-3992) offers no-nonsense lobstah, fried seafood, and some more adventurous fare in a no-nonsense setting (think plastic patio furniture) that overlooks Buzzards Bay. Since they also run a retail fish market and sell wholesale seafood, these folks know their lobsters. In the Mid-Cape area, check out the Lobster Boat in West Yarmouth (508-775-0486). Located on congested Route 28, the view from the front of the restaurant isn't much. But the restaurant's windows all face the back and overlook a marina on the Parker River. The restaurant itself, which looks like a large sailing vessel, offers quite a view for motorists on Route 28. (My wife's grandfather used to refer to the place as The Love Boat; sadly, we never once bumped into Captain Stubing or Gopher.) The menu includes fried, baked, and broiled seafood, and all kinds of lobster, including a surf and turf combo with prime rib, a lazy man's lobster, and an oh-my-goodness, humongous three-pound serving. If you'll be staying on the Lower Cape (that's the outermost area), consider The Lobster Pot in Provincetown (321 Commercial Street, 508-487-0842). You can't miss the funky neon lobster-adorned sign out front (which is authentic, not retro; the place has been a P-Town landmark for ages). The dining room has spectacular harbor views. If you wish, you can pick your own lobster from the tanks at the front of the restaurant. For a delicious prelude to your lobster feast, get the kale soup. -Arthur Photo: Globefish Web site August 1, 2006
Can you give me a few of the most romantic places in Martha's Vineyard? I'm looking for something very special as a possible engagement point. Thanks so much. Thanks for writing Tim. Martha's Vineyard offers a storybook setting that will provide a memorable backdrop when you ask for your beloved's hand in marriage. "The most romantic places" are in the eye (the heart?) of the beholder, so I'll offer a few varied suggestions. Martha's Vineyard has a number of intimate, captivating inns that could help set the tone for your mission. Two of the island's best inns also boast highly regarded restaurants. Perhaps you could make arrangements with the host to prepare a special meal and follow it with champagne for the big moment. The Beach Plum Inn overlooks the ocean in Menemsha, a tiny town tucked into a quiet corner of the Vineyard. Among its amenities are a private beach for guests, horseback riding trails, sailing, and to-die-for sunsets (plan your meal and big question time accordingly). Lambert's Cove Inn, located in Tisbury, is an equally charming and romantic spot. Dating back to 1790, the historic estate also offers a private beach as well as a heated whirlpool. Maybe you want to find a quiet spot right on the beach to engage in your engagement query. There are no shortage of beautiful beaches on Martha's Vineyard, of course. One of the best is Moshup Beach. Located at the base of Gay Head's multi-colored cliffs, the small beach is gorgeous. As a bonus, Moshup Beach has a section that is (unofficially) clothing-optional. That might make for a memorable spot to launch into your spiel. (Then again, where would you hide the ring?) If you're looking for someplace more whimsical, how about the Flying Horses Carousel at Oak Bluffs? Built in 1876 (it was moved to the Vineyard in 1884), it is the nation's oldest operating platform carousel, and is among a few that still entice riders to catch the brass ring. The twenty hand-carved horses include real horsehair. Here are my thoughts: Contact the attraction's operator and pre-arrange an after-hours visit. Instead of the band organ music, make plans to have them play your favorite song. See if you can somehow substitute your engagement ring in the carousel's ring dispenser, and have your betrothed sit on an outside horse to grab the ring. Tim, I wish the best of luck to you. Kindly email me back and let us know about your island adventure. And remember that although your lives together will have its ups and downs, you'll always be able to look back at your idyllic Martha's Vineyard getaway for inspiration to grab the brass ring.
Photo: The Beach Plum Inn Web site July 24, 2006
We are traveling to the east coast this October and will be spending one & a half days on the Cape. We would like to visit Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket but only have time for one (would like to stay the night). Which island would you recommend? Thanks! Thanks for writing Jennifer. October is a wonderful time to visit the Cape and Islands. The summer crowds are gone, the pace is more relaxed, the crisp fall weather is delightful, and the off-season prices are great. If only all of life's decisions could be so sweet. Talk about a no-lose situation! I'm sure you'd find either island charming and memorable. Given your particular circumstances, however, I'm going to recommend that you consider choosing Nantucket. Here's why. Since you'll only have two days and one night for your mini island getaway, I believe you'd appreciate Nantucket's more compact size. Whereas Martha's Vineyard is larger and comprised of a number of distinct towns and villages, most of Nantucket's sights are on the island's main town of Nantucket. You can take a reasonably priced shuttle service (or rent bicycles if you wish) to explore the outlying areas of Medaket, Surfside Beach, or 'Sconset, but you'll be able to comfortably access the town of Nantucket by foot. The island's two main ferry services, the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises, both dock in town, and, if you'll be traveling lightly, you'll probably be able to walk from the wharf to your hotel or inn. (Just be careful on the lovely, but bumpy cobblestone streets.) While Nantucket is farther away from the mainland than Martha's Vineyard and used to take considerably longer to reach, both companies now offer high-speed ferries that complete the trip in about an hour. The Explore New England site has more info and resources to help you plan your trip to Nantucket. Have a great vacation. Arthur Levine Photo: Nantucket Chamber of Commerce July 12, 2006
Where can I find a ferry boat to take me through the Cape Cod Canal? Thanks for writing Michael. I'm not sure whether you are asking about boat tours of the canal or ferries that cross the canal. If it's the latter, there aren't any ferries (that I know of anyway) because there are two bridges, the Sagamore and the Bourne, that provide access for vehicles and pedestrians. They tend to get jammed up during peak vacation periods, but the Commonwealth is building a "flyover" slated to open later this year that will eliminate the rotary at the Sagamore Bridge and should help reduce congestion. The Bay State Cruise Company, located at Seaport Boulevard near Boston's World Trade Center, offers ferry service between Provincetown and Boston. Its high-speed ferry takes just 90 minutes to complete the trip. Contact Bay State Cruise Company at 617-748-1428. As for Cape Cod Canal tour boats, Hy-Line Cruises leaves from Onset Town Pier, near the Bourne Bridge, and offers two- and three-hour sightseeing cruises, as well as sunset cocktail cruises and music cruises. Contact Hy-Line at 800-492-8082. Photo: Cape Cod Community College July 4, 2006
My family of 4 kids ages 8, 6, 1, in laws, husband and myself are going to a wedding in Kennebunkport, ME at the end of July. We're flying into Boston then driving up to Maine. Any suggestions for things to do? Thanks for writing Kristy. Sounds like you have quite a brood to entertain. I'm going to assume that the wedding is at the end of your visit, and that you're looking for things for your family to do in Massachusetts before you depart for Maine. (For ideas about things to do in Maine, hop over to the Maine blog, that my colleague Sara Malmquist writes.) I don't know where you're flying in from, but any summer vacation to Massachusetts has to include at least one trip to the beach. Among the many beautiful beaches to explore north of Boston is Good Harbor in Gloucester. It's picture-perfect, large enough to accommodate huge crowds, and often has some decent (but not overpowering) waves for body surfing. After a day at the beach, you could head to Woodman's in Essex for some authentic fried clams (this is the place that invented them) and other seafood delights. The restaurant is incredibly laid back and more than welcoming for families with young kids. For other family-friendly things to do, check out these resources:
Have a ball. I'd enjoy hearing back from you about your Bay State fun. -Arthur Photo: GoodHarborBeach.com June 26, 2006
Do you have any info regarding that Netflix screening of Jaws on MV this summer? Thanks for writing Liz. Here's the scoop: The Jaws event will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 5 at Ocean Park, located on Seaview Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Admission will be free, and folks are advised to bring their own beach blankets and folding chairs to get comfy for the movie. The presentation is part of Netflix Rolling Roadshow, a month-long festival of outdoor screenings to be held in the locations celebrated in the films (including The Warriors at Coney Island and Field of Dreams at a remote baseball field in Iowa). There aren't any rain dates mentioned for the Jaws screening in the info I've seen, so dress accordingly. And if you notice anything suspicious swimming underwater, especially if it's preceded by some piercing "da-dums" from stringed instruments, you'll probably want to get the heck out of there. Photo: SpeilbergFilms.com June 19, 2006
A few weeks back, I received an inquiry in my mailbag about the gone-but-(obviously) not-forgotten Betty's Rolls Royce, a legendary Boston bar and restaurant that occupied the spot on Union Street next to Quincy Market that now houses The Purple Shamrock. That prompted another email from Gayle. She writes: I read about Betty's Rolls Royce, and it brought back memories.... My late husband was one of Betty's favorites. She told everyone he was a Baron from some odd Lithuanian location, and he ate it up. As I recall, her Rolls Royce was impounded for quite some time, and when she finally paid the fines to have it released, there was a victory parade back to her location. All the prior unpaid tickets were used as confetti. She was dressed by Alfred Fiandaca as I recall, and she had a major celebration at her place following the parade. She was quite a gal. Quite a gal, indeed, Gayle. And her lasting impression highlights the dearth of homegrown, dynamic establishments in today's bottom-line-watching, conservative hospitality scene. Please, spare us another corporate cookie-cutter restaurant like Joe's Crab Shack or Olive Garden--especially at the expense of a place that is uniquely Boston, like Betty's. While the franchise joints are predictable and safe (and, as much as I'm reluctant to admit it, sometimes offer decent fare), I generally try to avoid them in favor of locally owned and operated restaurants. It's great looking back, but how about touting the Betty's of today? What are your favorite local restaurants? Who are the larger-than-life characters feeding patrons in Boston and around the Bay State? Let us know by zipping off an email to my mailbag. Use the "Ask Arthur Here" box to the right. -Arthur June 15, 2006
I work at a foster care agency here in Massachusetts, mostly the greater Boston area. I am looking for ideas for field trips/fun activities for our foster kids. This means cheap or donated events. They range from babies to 18 years old. Any ideas? Thanks for writing Janelle. And thanks for the good work you and the foster parents provide. When planning events for children, having wads of available cash can certainly help. But there are many low-cost/no-cost things to do. Some ideas to consider: Visit State and National Parks
Visit a Museum Other resources:
Have fun. We'd enjoy hearing back from you about any trips or visits. -Arthur Photo: Massachusetts Audubon Society May 29, 2006
Hi--my husband and I are from the Midwest and have never been to Cape Cod or the other islands. We want to visit for a romantic weekend, maybe 2-3 days. Where do we stay and what do we do? We need a suggested itinerary please!! Thanks, Theresa Thanks for writing, Theresa. First of all, Cape Cod is not an island. It is a rather large peninsula on the eastern coast of Massachusetts that is 339 square miles and extends 65 miles east and north to the Atlantic. The phrase, "Cape Cod and the Islands," refers to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, two islands off the Cape's coast. There are a myriad of places to visit, stay, dine, play, and explore--far too many to summarize in a two- or three-day itinerary. That doesn't mean you couldn't put together a wonderful weekend vacation; it just means you'll have to do a little pre-planning to find the accommodations, restaurants, sights, and activities that fit your budget and interests. Any Cape Cod jaunt would have to include a visit to at least one of its many beaches. I suggest you put the National Seashore on your itinerary. Operated by the National Park Service, the stretch of beaches from Eastham to Provincetown is among the world's most beautiful. With its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and its feisty surf (perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding), my favorite is Coast Guard Beach. For a more romantic setting, you could plan a twilight walk along Nauset Light Beach. The crashing waves, sandy dunes, cool breezes, and twinkling reflections of the moon and lighthouse beacon in the water just may inspire some serious canoodling. To get a better handle on all that Cape Cod has to offer and begin planning your getaway, here are some resources:
Have a great, romantic Cape Cod trip. We'd love to hear about your getaway. Write back and share some of the highlights with us. -Arthur Photo: National Park Service May 4, 2006
Arnie from Beverly (obviously) writes: Arthur, loved the Salem Willows review. Since Salem is such a big tourist destination, I thought I'd put a plug in for all of the great restaurants in downtown Beverly that one could have lunch or dinner at on their way to Salem: upscale, downscale, Japanese, Thai, Italian, etc. The (contested) birthplace of the US Navy is turning into a dining Mecca! Thanks for writing Arnie. Beverly has certainly evolved into a dining Mecca (although there are no Middle Eastern restaurants amid all of the ethnic eateries.) Here are my personal favorites: Chianti Tuscan Restaurant Tapas Corner Organic Garden Cafe Not Your Average Joe's Do you have some favorite places to dine? Send 'em to my mailbag by entering the info in the "Ask Arthur Here" box to the right. -Arthur May 1, 2006
Ron sent this concise query to my Explore New England mailbag: Hiya Ron. Thanks for writing. Sure, I recall the Boston landmark. More of a bar than a restaurant, it occupied the spot on Union Street next to Quincy Market that now houses The Purple Shamrock. Every day, the larger-than-life Betty parked her yellow Rolls in front of the establishment in violation of the city's parking ordinances. And every day, the city towed her ritzy car away. She'd march over to City Hall, pay the fine, retrieve the car, and prepare for the next day's automotive pas de deux. The daily dalliance with the law provided a bizarre, attention-grabbing floorshow for the bar's patrons. I think Betty finally convinced Boston's powers that were to allow her to park the Rolls on Union Street without reprisal. Does anyone know what happened to Betty--or her Rolls Royce? If you know (or if you have any other questions, comments, suggestions, places to visit, or things to do in Massachusetts), please zip off an email to my mailbag by using the "Ask Arthur Here" box to the right. -Arthur April 18, 2006
In response to my blog about the state's Minor League baseball teams, which focused on the Lowell Spinners, Bob from Lynn writes: Great article on Massachusetts' Minor League ball clubs. However, let's give Lynn's Spirit the promotion and respect they deserve! The Spirit team is quite entertaining. For some of the greatest inexpensive family sports fun on the North Shore, see the Spirit at Lynn's Fraser Field.. Bob, although I singled out the Spinners, I did allude to the state's other teams. I certainly meant no disrespect to the Spirit. Unlike Lowell's LeLacheur Park, which was built for the Spinners a few years ago, Fraser Field in Lynn was constructed under Roosevelt's Work Progress Act in 1940 and has hosted Minor League ball on and off for decades. When the North Shore Spirit formed in 2003, the team's owners funded a major renovation and proudly refer to the park as the new Fraser Field. The Spirit season begins in late May, and the first home game will be played June 1. North Shore Spirit
April 3, 2006
Janelle writes: Planning on staying at the Ocean Edge resort in Brewster this summer and have a question on beaches. Is it best to use the beach at the resort or are there nicer beaches to visit?
For a preview of summer fun, click over to Explore New England's Cape Cod Beaches photo gallery. -Arthur Photo: A lifeguard chair looks out to the blue ocean at Coast Guard Beach, on the Cape Cod National Seashore, in Eastham. T.S. Amarasiriwardena, Explore New England.com. March 29, 2006
Karla writes in response to my blog post about the Boston Chocolate Tour: How much does the Boston Chocolate Tour Cost?
What times does it run on Saturday and Sunday?
Do you need advance tickets?
Thanks!
-Arthur
    This blog is a feature of explorenewengland.com. It is not produced by
writers and editors of The Boston Globe. Questions or comments? E-mail us.
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A few days ago, I posted a guide to 
Sometimes the questions sent to my mailbag are quite vague, and I really don't know how to best answer them. For example, Bert writes:
A message in my mailbag made me realize that it will soon be the Fourth of July, and that folks will be looking for fireworks to mark the occasion. There will be plenty of people vacationing on Cape Cod around the holiday. People like Pamm, who writes:
Even though I've been toiling away within its vast collection of tubes for a few years now, the Internet still amazes me. It's fairly astonishing that I can peck out something in my living room here in Massachusetts, and a bloke in England can easily read it and reply to me. A bloke such as Fred, who sent this email to my Explore New England mailbag:
The summer tourist season is heating up, and that means tons of families will be heading to Cape Cod looking for things to do. Bonnie and her gang is one such family. Here's her email to me:
It's summer. You're heading to Cape Cod. You make a mental checklist of the things you'll have to do: Go to the beach, play mini-golf, buy some tacky tchochkes (while carefully sidestepping the chozzerai), catch a sunset over the ocean, and, of course, indulge in some lobster. Nearly every restaurant on the Cape serves lobster. Where should you go to savor the sweet summertime treat? Ginny must be making her Cape Cod checklist. She sent me this email missive:
There's something about the quaint charm of Cape Cod's islands that beckons lovers. Both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are popular destinations for honeymooners, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and quixotic paramours such as Tim, who is looking for the ideal setting to pop the big question and emailed me for suggestions. Ah, young love. Tim writes:
Most folks heading off for a Cape Cod vacation want to get past the Cape Cod Canal, the man-made waterway that separates the mainland from the Cape, and on to their destination. But the canal itself is a point of interest, and there are a number of tour boats that ply its waters. That prompted Michael to zip off this email to my mailbag:
Turning to an email in my mailbag, Kristy writes:
