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By TravelNE, on May 17th, 2013
A handmade arts market known as “ASSEMBLED” is coming to Somerville starting tomorrow, May 18, 2013 from 11 AM to 4 PM. The weekly craft show will feature arts and crafts from New England artisans on display and for sale. The shows will also feature live music as well as food from popular area food trucks.
The kickoff event tomorrow, May 18, will feature Boston Etsy, an online community of area artists. There will be dozens of artists on hand showcasing graphic tee shirts, handmade jewelry, hand-painted African beads and jewelry, pearl jewelry and accessories, terrariums, travel photography, and more.
Food trucks on hand for tomorrow’s event include:
The full schedule for ASSEMBLED, which runs from tomorrow through the end of the summer, is as follows:
- May 18th – Boston Etsy
- May 25th – Red, White and Art
- June 1st – Going Global/Fair Trade Locally Made
- June 8th – Arts Etcetera
- June 15th – Western Avenue Studios
- June 22nd – Pixiedust Crafts
- July 13th – Pixiedust Crafts
- July 20th – White Barn Heirlooms: Recycled
- July 27th – Going Global/Fair Trade Locally Made
- August 3rd – Pixiedust Crafts
- August 10th – Wicked Etsy
- August 17th – Going Global/Fair Trade Locally Made
- August 24th – Haute Arts
- August 31st – Going Global/Fair Trade Locally Made
- September 7th – Common Good Market
- September 21st – Steampunk and Riverfest
ASSEMBLED will take place on Grand Union Boulevard along the Mystic River. All shows will run from 11 AM to 4 PM and admission is free.
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By TravelNE, on May 15th, 2013
Warm weather is once again upon us and with it comes another new season for Food Truck Festivals of New England. On the heals of a successful 2012 season with seven festivals, 2013 brings us six festivals. The dates and locations of this years festivals are as follows:
- Saturday, June 8, 2013: The Cambridge Food Truck Festival in Kendall Square (3rd Street & Broadway) in Cambridge, MA
- Saturday, June 22, 2013: The Worcester Food Truck Festival at Elm Park in Worcester, MA
- Sunday, September 8, 2013: The Natick Food Truck Festival in Natick Center in Natick, MA
- Saturday, September 21, 2013: The Charles River Food Truck Festival in Artesani Herter Park in Brighton, MA
- Saturday, October 5, 2013: The Cape Cod Food Truck Festival at the Barnstable Fairgrounds in Falmouth, MA
- Saturday, October 26, 2013: The Newport Food Truck Festival at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, RI
Keep an eye on their schedule for any changes and updates.
Attending a food truck festival is a unique and fun way to spend an afternoon, and the reward is a lot of great food!
Food Trucks 2 Go
Would you like food trucks at your next event? Food Trucks 2 Go, a division of Food Truck Festivals of New England, can deliver 2 or more food trucks to your next event. An interesting way to add a unique twist to your next event…
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By TravelNE, on May 13th, 2013
 In case you missed it Waterfire Providence has posted the schedule for 2013 Waterfires. The schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, May 25, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Friday, May 31st – Basin Waterfire
- Saturday, June 8, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, July 13, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, August 10, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, August 24, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, September 7, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, September 21st – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, September 28, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, October 5, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, October 12, 2013 – Full Waterfire
- Saturday, November 9, 2013 – Full Waterfire (Salute to Veterans)
All Waterfires start just after sunset and continue to just past midnight.
Keep on eye on their schedule for any additions.
If you plan to make it a weekend or overnight event then the closet hotels to the Waterfires are probably the Courtyard Providence Downtown, the Hampton Inn Suites Providence Downtown, and the Providence Biltmore Hotel.
Photo credits: The image of the Providence Waterfire was provided by WaterFire Providence.
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By Robert Pirozzi, on May 10th, 2013
There are many sports fans who make pilgrimages to ball parks and stadiums – as much to see the venerable old structure as who may happen to be playing there. This is especially true of older parks and stadiums. There is just something about a venue that has withstood the test of time.
New England is no stranger to historic old ball parks and stadiums for those of you who like to make trips to “collect” stadium experiences. Following is a roundup of the region’s historic sports venues.
Baseball
For baseball fans, following are the oldest stadiums that play host to a professional baseball team.
Centennial Field, Burlington, Vermont
 Centennial Field in Burlington, VT In spite of what you think, Fenway Park is not the oldest ballpark to host a professional team. That honor would go to the home of the Vermont Lake Monsters – Centennial Field on the campus of UVM in Burlington, Vermont. Centennial Field opened on April 17, 1906. It was renovated in 1922 to replace the original wooden bleachers, which had burned down in 1913, with a concrete and steel grandstand. The Lake Monsters are a professional Minor League Baseball Team affiliated with MLB’s Oakland Athletics. Needless to say, the field is also home to the University of Vermont Baseball Team.
If you need a place to stay while visiting this stadium you would have a hard time doing better than the Courtyard Burlington Harbor between Lake Champlain and Church Street Marketplace.
Fenway Park, Boston Massachusetts
 Fenway Park The Grande Dame of Major League Baseball, Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912, 5 days after the RMS Titanic sank, making it the oldest Major League ballpark in the United States. It has been home to the Boston Red Sox since the very beginning. It has hosted 11 World Series including the 1912 World Series in its inaugural year. That Series was won by the Boston Red Sox.
The first game to be played in Fenway Park was against the New York Highlanders (who became the New York Yankees), so the great rivalry between the two teams dates back to Fenway’s beginning. For the record, the Red Sox won that game 7-6 in 11 innings starting the tradition of long, hard fought games at Fenway between the two teams.
While the best Fenway experience is when the Red Sox are playing, the park can be toured year-round. See Fenway Park Tour Information for more information on touring Fenway Park.
If you need a place to stay while visiting Fenway check our our Boston Lodging page for options.
McCoy Stadium, Providence, Rhode Island
 McCoy Stadium Home to the AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox – the Providence Red Sox, McCoy Stadium opened its doors at the height of World War II on July 4, 1942.
This stadium played host to significant professional baseball history when the longest professional game in the history of the sport was played on April 18, 1981 between the PawSox and the Rochester Red Wings. The game was tied 2-2 in the 32nd inning when the game was suspended at 4:07 AM the following morning. The game was resumed on June 23 and lasted a mere 18 minutes until the PawSox scored the winning run in the bottom of the 33rd inning. Famous players who participated in that game include Cal Ripken, Jr. (Rochester) and Wade Boggs (Pawtucket).
For a visit to McCoy, the best lodging options can be found minutes away in Providence.
Football
For football fans looking for an old historic stadium, you will have to turn your sights on college venues (sorry Gillette, while historic things have happened there, you are just too new…).
Harvard Stadium, Allston (Boston), Massachusetts
 Harvard Stadium One of the oldest football stadiums in the United States, Harvard Stadium has been home to the Harvard Crimson Football Team since its opening on November 14, 1903. Their first game in the stadium was against Dartmouth. Harvard lost the game 11-0.
Over the years this venerable old stadium has hosted the Boston Patriots (1970), and the Olympics (1984 for football/soccer). The stadium has also hosted many notable concerts including the last concert given by Janis Joplin shortly before her death.
In addition to being home to Harvard’s football team, the stadium is also home to the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. The stadium is a National Historic Landmark, one of only four stadiums recognized as such.
Yale Bowl, New Haven, Connecticut
 Yale Bowl The 61,000 seat Yale Bowl opened its doors on November 21, 1914. It has been home to the Yale Bulldogs football team ever since. Yale’s first game in the Yale Bowl was against Harvard, a game that Harvard won 36-0. That game also featured a 92 yard fumble return by Harvard – to this day the longest in the stadium’s history.
The NFL’s New York Giants made the Yale Bowl their home for the 1973/1974 season while Yankee Stadium was being renovated.
The Yale Bowl is also a National Historic Landmark.
Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
 Alumni Stadium Alumni Stadium, located on the lower campus of Boston College, opened its doors on September 21, 1957. It has been home th the BC Eagles Football Team ever since.
The first game played in the stadium on September 21 was against the U.S. Naval Academy. The Midshipmen beat the Eagles on that day 46-6.
Alumni Stadium was home to the Boston Patriots for one year in 1969.
Picture credits: The picture of Centennial Field is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain. The picture of Fenway Park is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. The picture of McCoy Stadium is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license. The picture of Harvard Stadium is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain. The picture of the Yale Bowl is from the Wikipedia. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. The picture of Alumni Stadium is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.
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By TravelNE, on May 9th, 2013
As if there were not enough reasons to head to Provincetown anyway, this great vacation community at the tip of Cape Cod is home to a couple of wonderful spa resort destinations that you will want to put on your list of places to visit.
Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa
Located on Johnson Street in Provincetown, the Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa refers to themselves as a luxury adult resort. The guesthouse features a German style breakfast every day, has sherry and port available all day long for sipping, and has a daily wine hour every afternoon.
But, of course, you are probably there to enjoy the spa as well. Known as the Namaste Spa, it features massage therapy, polishes and wraps, energy healing, and relaxation (steam room, sauna, and spa tub). What a great way to be pampered in a luxury setting.
Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa
A 140 year old sea captain’s estate, the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa has 40 luxurious rooms many with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs and is conveniently located in the heart of Provincetown. One great feature of this property is its restaurant – the Pointe at Crowne Pointe Inn. This small 40 seat bistro-style restaurant serves “creative” cuisine complemented by a 4,000 bottle wine list that has won awards from both the Wine Enthusiast, and the Wine Spectator.
Of course this is a spa destination, and what a spa. Their award winning Shui Spa offers massage, skin care and facials, body treatments, gentle waxing, and feet and hand treatments at their nail salon. A three course spa lunch is also available for all spa clients.
What Else to Do While in P-Town
Come on. You are in Provincetown on Cape Cod. If you run out of things to do you are not trying… While in town how about catching something at the Provincetown Theater? And of course no trip to Provincetown would be complete without a visit to the Pilgrim Monument and Museum. For other things to see and do while on the Cape see Cape Cod Attractions and Things to Do.
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By TravelNE, on May 8th, 2013
What could be better than a trail that runs along the entire down-east Maine coast? That is exactly what you will find in the Downeast Sunrise Trail. The trail, in an old rail corridor, starts in Washington Junction just east of Ellsworth and runs northeast to Ayers Junction. The total distance? Well, according to the map in their brochure (PDF) the final mile post is 87. According to the text in that same brochure the trail is 85 miles long. The discrepancy seems to be because the start of the trail is at mile post 2 – hence 85+ miles.
One nice thing about the trail, in addition to the spectacular countryside that is passes through, is that there are 10 parking areas along the distance of the trail allowing you to select a segment of the trail to use.
It should be noted that the Downeast Sunrise Trail is a multi-use trail and ATVs are allowed. The trail is also part of the East Coast Greenway that runs from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.
Other Things to Do
Other things to do while in the area include:
Where to Stay
If you want to be close to the beginning of the trail in Ellsworth you will find a Comfort Inn and the Ramada Ellsworth. Personally, I think I would stay a short distance away in Bar Harbor. There you have many great lodging options including:
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By TravelNE, on May 7th, 2013
Well, they really are celebrating dirt, as in growing things in dirt. Obscure enough? Allow me to explain… In the spirit of any good excuse for a party the Peabody Essex Museum is throwing a party on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM that celebrates growing gardens and eating local. Join them to learn new ways to use seasonal and locally grown food. The folks from the Salem Community Gardens and Salem Farmers’ Market will be on hand to share tips for gardening and local, healthy eating.
Providing the entertainment for the evening will be Dan & The Wildfire a Boston-based group from Berklee College of Music.
The event is free to PEM members and Salem residents and $10 for everyone else. Tickets will be sold at the door.
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By TravelNE, on May 6th, 2013
 The Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston The Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston will present a free family concert on June 1, 2013 in Weld Hall at the Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library. The concert, entitled “The Sounds of Song and Dance“, will feature chamber music inspired by songs and dances from around the world with selections by Mozart and more.
The interactive program is for children of all ages and their families. There will also be an instrument “Petting Zoo” and demonstration after the performance in the Library’s outdoor Children’s Garden. Here kids will be allowed to touch and play orchestral instruments guided by members of the Chameleon Arts Ensemble.
The concert will be held at 2 PM on Saturday June 1, 2013. For more information see: FREE FAMILY CONCERT – The Sounds of Song and Dance. The Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library is located at 35 Harvard Avenue in Hyde Park.
Picture credits: the picture of the Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston is by Susan Wilson and is from their website.
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By Robert Pirozzi, on May 3rd, 2013
 Gay Head Light & the Cliffs in Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard So you are thinking of a vacation to Martha’s Vineyard this summer. Here is a little information to help you out as you plan your trip.
How To Get There
While some do fly to Martha’s Vineyard, the most common way to get to the Island is by ferry. And of all of the ferry services to the Island, the boats of the Steamship Authority carry the most passengers to and from the Vineyard. During the summer they run boats to and from both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. The Steamship Authority is the only year-round service to the Vineyard. They are also the only way to get a car back and forth.
Other seasonal ferries running to the Island include:
Do You Need to Bring a Car?
The next question you need to answer is whether or not to bring your car. Keep in mind when making this decision that Martha’s Vineyard has excellent bus service making it relatively easy to reach most points on the Island. In addition, taxi service is plentiful. Bikes are also an excellent way to get around on the island. Cars can also be rented on-Island.
For me, if I were going over for a weekend or long weekend (2 to 4 days) I would definitely not take my car. Between the bus service and the taxis you can typically get anywhere you need to go, including the beach.
For a vacation of a week or two it would probably be nice to have a car. Plan your car reservation well in advance though, it gets harder to book car passage during the high season…
Where to Stay?
Lodging
 View from the Porch of the Harbor View Hotel The answer of where to stay is probably driven the most by how long you intend to stay. For trips of a week or more it is probably best to think about renting a house.
For trips of a week or less you probably want to think of one of the Islands hotels or a nice Inn or Bed and Breakfast. The three largest hotels on the Island are the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven, the Wesley Hotel in Oak Bluffs, and the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown. Staying in one of these hotels puts your right in the middle of where the action is as these are the Island’s three most populous towns offering the greatest variety of things to do.
Both the Mansion House and Harbor View are open year-round. The Wesley is seasonal. There are also numerous quaint inns and B&B on island that provide wonderful accommodations.
For more lodging options see our Martha’s Vineyard lodging page.
Location
As for physically where you want to be on island… Down-island has the largest towns (Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown) and the most to do. So if you want to be right in the “thick of things” you probably want to stay down-island. Up-island (West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah) is for those looking to get away from it all including at least some of the summer crowd. Up-island is more serene and quite but still beautiful and lots of fun.
When to Go?
So many different things happen during the summer on Martha’s Vineyard that it can be hard to decide when to go. There really is not a bad time to go but think about the following when trying to decide.
Want to Miss the Crowds?
For those of you without kids who may wish to miss the peak crowds, Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend can be great for long weekend getaways to the Vineyard. If you want a week-long stay the period between Memorial Day and the weekend before the Fourth of July can be a great time to go – not very crowded, the weather and the water are warming up, and everything is open. Similarly, the weeks after Labor Day can be a great time to to get to the Island. The weather is still warm, the water is at its warmest, and the crowds are gone.
Taking In the Peak Season’s Big Events
 4th of July Parade in Edgartown For families with school-age children the season compresses somewhat and it is pretty difficult to miss peak season. But not to worry, peak season is very manageable and some truly great things happen during the summer that you will not want to miss. Some particularly good weeks to mark in your calendar include:
- Fourth of July Week – Try coming the week of the 4th of July. If you do you can take in the wonderful small-town 4th of July Parade in Edgartown and enjoy the fireworks over Edgartown Harbor. This is great fun for the whole family.
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 Grand Illumination in Oak Bluffs Tisbury Street Fair Week – On July 8 the Town of Tisbury (Vineyard Haven) throws itself a birthday party known as the Tisbury Street Fair. Main Street is blocked off to traffic and vendors, food merchants, and entertainment fill the street. A great family event.
- The Middle of August – The biggest events, the biggest crowds, and the most fun all packed into one week. Typically the second full week of August you get three major events: Grand Illumination in Oak Bluffs, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair in West Tisbury, and Fireworks at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs. You want to take in this week at least once…
What to Do on Martha’s Vineyard
You’re on an island! Go to the beach. Enjoy all kinds of ocean-based water sports. There is plenty of fine dining. If you are looking for some Summer Island traditions then try out a few of these:
- For families with small children (10 and under) check out the Saturday morning plays put on by the Fabulists at the outdoor Vineyard Haven Amphitheater.
- Check out the annual Summer Artisans Festivals in West Tisbury that run all summer long.
- Take in the West Tisbury Farmers Market which happens every Saturday and Wednesday from 9 AM to noon all summer long.
- Enjoy some live theater at the Vineyard Playhouse in Vineyard Haven.
- Get down with the Vineyard Haven Band as they perform live band concerts on Sunday evenings alternating between Owen Park in Vineyard Haven and Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs.
- Participate in the community sing that happens every Wednesday evening in July and August at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.
- Take in an event at the Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs.
- Ride the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. It is the oldest platform carousel in the United States.
If you run out of things to do on Martha’s Vineyard your are not trying very hard… For more things to do see Martha’s Vineyard Things to Do.
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By TravelNE, on May 1st, 2013
With Mother’s Day fast approaching (May 12, 2013) it is time to start thinking about what you can do to make Mom feel special. Yes, breakfast in bed is a time honored tradition (that usually comes with the work of cleaning up the kitchen for Mom), and there is always a Mother’s Day brunch, lunch, or dinner… But how about doing something extra special and different? How about taking Mom to Cape Cod for a relaxing spa weekend? On Saturday Mom can get pampered while Dad takes the kids off to explore Cape Cod. The family can reconvene for dinner on Saturday, and a nice breakfast or brunch on Sunday followed by some family exploring of the Cape.
Sounds like great fun for the whole family and what a way to make Mom feel special…
To help you plan such a memorable getaway, here are a few select resort / spa destinations on Cape Cod:
Cape Codder Resort & Spa
1225 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
The Cape Codder Resort & Spa is located in the beautiful Cape Cod community of Hyannis. They have a wonderful spa to pamper Mom that offers massages, body treatments, facials, hair salon, waxing services, spray tanning, and much more. In addition they have an indoor wave pool and heated outdoor year-round pool that would be great fun for the entire family.
Some notable attractions in Hyannis for Dad and the kids include the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and the Toad Hall Classic Sports Car Collection.
The resort will also be serving a special Mother’s Day buffet from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.
Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa
149 Main Street
Historic Sandwich Village, MA 02563
The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa has 48 exquisitely furnished guest rooms and suites, some suite with fireplaces and whirlpools. To pamper Mom there is the Beach Plum Spa that offers massages, body treatments, facials, hair salon, waxing services, spray tanning, and much more. They even offer services for kids including parent & child massages.
Located in the beautiful Cape Cod community of Sandwich, the Inn is an ideal location from which to explore the Cape for Dad and the kids. You may want to consider checking out Heritage Museum and Gardens with its antique wooden carousel or the Sandwich Glass Museum, both of which are conveniently located close by in Sandwich.
They also have a special Mother’s Day Menu that will be served from 11:30 AM to 6 PM on Mother’s Day.
Red Jacket Beach Resort
1 South Shore Drive
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Located on a beautiful private ocean beach in South Yarmouth, the 148 room Red Jacket Beach Resort is a perfect Mother’s Day getaway destination. For Mom there is the Spa at Red Jacket Beach. Services they offer include massage therapies, body therapies, facials, nails, and waxing. They even have services for kids. In addition, the resort has a large heated indoor pool as well as two heated outdoor pools. They even have some pet-friendly rooms if you truly want to bring the “whole” family…
Yarmouth is a wonderful location from which to explore the Cape for Dad and the kids (if you can ever get them out of the pool…).
So think about making Mom feel extra special this Mother’s Day with a great family weekend getaway to Cape Cod.
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