Eating My Way Across New England

I just returned from two amazing weeks in New England, and while it was filled with stunning scenery and interesting festivals, it was clearly dominated by food. I spent nearly half the trip in Boston’s city center, with focus on the city’s hip South End …but also did a lot of calorie damage on the other side of the river in Cambridge and Somerville as well as a few road trips including to Rhode Island and Maine. Luckily, Boston is a great walking city to walk off all those calories.

Tapas, Lobster, Donuts, and Ice Cream… Oh My!

Myriad food themes emerged over my New England travels – some intentional and some delightfully surprising. I knew that Lobster would be a big theme in Maine and set out to undertake my own personal Lobster Roll taste-challenge – but had no idea the variations and modern twists I would encounter. In addition to Lobster, New England was full of innovative shared small plates, cool bars, and the most compelling flavor profiles in donuts and ice cream.

Lobster…

Classic Lobster Rolls varied from simple to heavy mayo dressing – and then there was Eventide’s modern brown butter approach blew me away.

Amazing small plate dishes…

…and excellent bars.

Donuts…

While not a diehard donut fan, I became obsessed with donuts across New England. The inventive flavor profiles were just too compelling to pass up.  

Ice Cream…

While ice cream was a no-brainer, the quality and flavors surpassed my expectations. And you have to love Mt. Desert Island’s self-realization that it has too many good flavors and so offers its customers a tasting option!

New England Roadtrip Food Crawl

Let the foodie roadtrip begin… From exploring numerous Boston neighborhoods, countryside, and coastline to driving south to Rhode Island and then north up to Maine, there was a lot of compelling sights, food, and drink.

Maine

The pinnacle of my New England journey, however, may have been three glorious days driving up the Maine coast, with two nights in charming, down-to-earth, and innovative Portland.

New Hampshire

Stopping in quaint Portsmouth, NH or Newburyport, MA is the perfect way to break up your travel on the way to Maine. Cava had a great wine list, delicious food, and lovely ambience.

Massachusetts Backroads

Other days, we were all over the New England map with day trips wending along the coast and crawling the country backroads of breathtaking Cape Ann. 

Starting along the coast in picturesque seaside towns…

To change it up, we cut over to countryside backroads to peruse farmhouse stores and recommended ice cream stops.

Heading west to Groton, we had a delicious meal in this barn style interior on a farm at the Gibbet Hill Grill.

Rhode Island & Environs: Fall River, MA – Newport – Providence

Another day we trekked to Providence by way of Fall River and Newport.

Fall River…

First up was a visit to Fall River, where my Father’s family settled upon immigrating from Ireland in the New England textile mills many generations ago (and, of course, Lizzie Borden fame). Fall River is filled with stunning architecture, but feels like a historic industrial town almost lost in time. 

Newport…

Touring mansions and …

…dining with a marina view.

Providence…

Our ultimate destination, though, was Providence to see the monthly public art fest WaterFire in Providence, Rhode Island, that surprisingly turned into much more. As throngs of people surrounded the river that runs through the city, the lights went down and boats were lit on fire, and smoke filled the air. It was dramatic but startling in the low-lit environment and carbon-filled air.

A nearby downtown festival enhanced the vibrant atmosphere.

We ended the evening for a late night bowl of Ramen and Kimchi in minimalist cool Ken’s.

Boston’s South End

My vacation goal was to avoid the beaten-tourist-path and just wander and explore – immersing myself in Boston’s local urban scene. The South End was particularly rewarding with its charming brownstones, community gardens, fantastic restaurants.

SoWa Market

The SoWA (South of Washington) Open Market on Sundays is a vast market that spans food trucks, produce market, artisan wares.

Boston’s Back Bay

Meandering through the Back Bay across the classic Boston Commons and around Newberry Street, I encountered stunning vintage architecture contrasted with the now closed gallery-meets-restaurant/bar Liquid Art House. 

Boston Commons…

Boston’s North End

And speaking of iconic, no trip to Boston is complete for me without a North End drive-by for a Modern Pastry made-to-order cannoli, as well as picking up a couple bottles of wine from one of my favorite wine merchants anywhere, The Wine Bottega. 

Beacon Hill

But with so much on the Boston wish-list itinerary, one full day was strategically devised to pop on and off the Red Line, beginning with a Union Square Donut feast and segueing to public art festivities, a foodie incarceration at a Jail turned cool hotel bar scene, a mini wine bar – craft beer crawl, and ending with late night tapas.

It’s always fun to grab a drink in the Charles Street Jail – now Liberty Hotel.

Cambridge

Cambridge offered great food and drink options, as well as urban exploring through street art and festivals.

Great bars for both wine and craft beer…

And one of the best meals of my trip…