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The best places to visit before summer’s over
Plus: Massachusetts Whale Trail, a New Hampshire sunflower festival, Boston movie nights, and more.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
These summer weeks are flying by and I bet we both have the same goal of making the most of them. So this week, I’m sharing a few ways to do just that, including checking out the Massachusetts Whale Trail, eating at a 105-year-old Cape Cod seafood shack, visiting a sunflower festival in New Hampshire, and getting 50 percent off stays in Portland, Maine.
Up your whale knowledge this season
If a whale watch is on your summer to do list (and I hope it is), check out the Massachusetts Whale Trail. The trail highlights nearly 40 spots across the state where you can brush up on your whale knowledge this season. The trail includes boat rides, historic homes, walking tours, museums, and more.
Celebrate America’s anniversary on a cruise
You can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at sea next year during a round-trip cruise from Boston. Holland America Line just announced a seven-day “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage,” focused on America’s semiquincentennial. The trip leaves Boston July 4, 2026, and passengers get a front-row seat for the iconic fireworks display in Boston Harbor.
A 105-year-old Cape Cod seafood shack is back in business
I chatted with Michelle Lamy, an owner at Cap’t Cass Rock Harbor Seafood in Orleans about the 105-year–old renovated seafood shack that just reopened after closing in 2020 due to the pandemic. She said there’s a lot of joy in the community over the reopening. Discover the story behind all those buoys, why there’s a special table inside, and what dishes are in demand (clear broth chowder, anyone?).
Travel Tips
- The next time you fly, you won’t be required to remove your shoes during airport security screenings now that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has changed the policy. When I asked readers what they thought of this, 88 percent said they are glad. Are you?
- Sunflower lovers, take note: Coppal House Farm in Lee, N.H. will host its 11th Annual Sunflower Festival July 26 to Aug. 3. Guests will enjoy live music, yoga, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, food trucks, and more.
- Enjoy a movie night at Fenway Park on July 31, when Alamo Drafthouse Cinema screens the 2003 holiday film “Elf.” There will be concessions, photo opps, and guests are encouraged to wear holiday attire. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids and they can be purchased here.
Deals and Steals
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- Snag 50 percent off your stay at 16 new luxury lofts known as the Boyd Block at The Docent’s Collection in Portland, Maine on select dates August through October. The deal is available through July 31.
- Here’s another reason to root for the Red Sox: Families get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal at any Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub the day after the Red Sox win. Go Red Sox!
Discover more New England travel deals in July.
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I’ll leave you with this photo taken earlier this month at The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth, Maine by Scenic Six reader Ruth K.
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.
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