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The best New England travel deals, festivals, and events in August
Check out the Moose Festival, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Dine Out Boston, and more.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
I just returned from Costa Rica, where my family slept in a treehouse, hiked a rainforest, swam in waterfalls, fed monkeys, and more. It was a special trip celebrating my son’s graduation and I’m grateful we were able to make those memories before he heads off to college.
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That trip reminded me of how valuable it is to get out and explore, whether it’s a rainforest or a trail here in New England.
This week, I’m sharing info about a Massachusetts walking tour that just ranked the best in the nation, a moose festival, and plenty of discounts on food, lodging, and activities.
Why Portsmouth is calling
The coastal city of Portsmouth, N.H. makes for a great day trip from Boston. There is so much to do in the historic city, including the Prescott Park Arts Festival. The 10-week festival offers music, theater, and movies in the waterfront park. Find out more about the festival and other low-cost ways of having fun in the city.
How to save money on New England travel in August
Traveling can get pricey, so I’ve rounded up transportation, restaurant, hotel, and activity deals across New England this month. Find out about discounted meals, ferry tickets, camping sites, water park tickets, and more. Looking to save money in Boston? Here is a list of 10 free things to do in Boston during the month of August.
Why you should book this world renowned tour in Salem
A Salem walking tour is impressing travelers year after year. The History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour by Witch City Walking Tours was just named the No. 1 cultural and historical tour in the U.S. for the third year in a row (and No. 8 in the world). What makes it so great? Owner Beth Crowley told me: “What we love about this tour is that it’s a little bit of everything of Salem’s history and the Salem experience.”
Travel Tips
- Franklin Park Zoo’s annual “Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience” opened Aug. 1 and runs through Nov. 2. Guests can enjoy an evening stroll through the zoo with LED lights featuring a mystical forest, light tunnels, and animal designs that include a 22-foot-tall glowing owl.
- The 35th Annual North Country Moose Festival will take place Aug. 22-23 in downtown Colebrook, N.H. on Friday and at the Canaan Rec Park in Canaan, Vermont on Saturday. This year’s festivities include live music, a parade, dog show, classic car show, moose calling contest, and more.
- If you are planning a spring getaway next year, Delta is increasing service to 10 nonstop destinations from Boston for six days in April 2026. Seven of the routes go to Florida.
Deals and Steals
- Eat out in the city for less at dozens of Boston restaurants during Dine Out Boston, taking place Aug. 3-16. Check out the participating restaurants and get recommendations on the best deals from our food writer, Katelyn Umholtz.
- Folks who stay at The Pell in Middletown, R.I. get two free tickets to The Breakers, the famous Gilded Age mansion in Newport. The offer code is 78439 and is good through Jan. 31, 2026.
- Whale’s Tale Waterpark in Lincoln, N.H., just named among the top 10 waterparks in the U.S., is offering discounted rates this season after 2 p.m. (when the price drops from $52 to $29!).
Discover more New England travel deals in August.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took in Costa Rica of my daughter on the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna.
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