Road Trip: Lexie's on State, Newburyport, MA

If you are a New Englander, you know how difficult the winters can be around here. We don’t ski, snowshoe or snowboard and it can be difficult to find something to do on weekends. Coupled on to that are the snowy and icy roads and we have to pick our spots to make sure that we aren't driving in dangerous conditions. But on those days when the only element we have to deal with is the cold air, our thoughts turn back to food and looking forward to trying a new food destination.

Boat and Road Trip to the Mohegan Cafe & Brewery on Block Island, RI

As many of you know, my wife and I have been just about every place in New England during our search for the best foods. One spot that my wife has visited and I have not is Block Island. This small island off the coast of Rhode Island doesn't get the massive crowds like the other nearby islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket but still offers a lovely escape. Since this is one of the last bastions of uncharted territory in New England for me it was a no brainer that we head over. So, it is time for our first combined boat and road trip.

Road Trip to The Maine Diner, Wells

With the upcoming holiday weekend right around the corner, my guess is that many of you are traveling and Maine may be on your destination list. You could take I95 and yes it is faster but we prefer the more scenic drive that you find along Route One. Normally when we take a quick day trip we tend to stick with the Ogunquit/Kennebunk area. Not because we don't want to venture further but we usually find all the restaurants and things to do further south. On this particular trip to Kennebunkport we decided to stop at the Maine Diner for dinner on the way home. We’ve traveled by this landmark for years and noting that the lines weren’t as long as normal, we finally agreed to give it a try.

The Gables Restaurant, Saint Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada

A few years ago while visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, I was chatting with one of the locals who told us of a small beautiful coastal community in New Brunswick, Canada known as Saint Andrews by the Sea. Since we are always on the lookout for new places to visit on the ocean, my wife did some quick research and we vowed that one day we would make a trip. It may have taken a bit longer than we had hoped but we finally made it earlier this summer when we found ourselves in the Mt. Desert Island area.

A visit to Salem Willows for a Chop Suey Sandwich

Our next road trip has an interesting beginning…

Last year in the fall we were visiting Salem, Massachusetts and my wife wanted to make a quick stop at Salem Willows. This area is right on the ocean and has a small amusement park with a few kid rides including a merry-go-round. We go (of course) for the food and usually head over to EW Hobbs for their delicious flavored popcorn bars.

Top Dog and the Hidden Gem of Rockport, Massachusetts

With Memorial Day right around the corner there may be people out there trying to think of what to do this upcoming holiday weekend. We have plenty of road trips for you to choose from our Time for a Road Trip series and now we are going to add one of our favorites to the list.

Road Trip: Longfellow's Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachussetts

Finally spring has arrived and I’ve never been happier to bid farewell to winter. With the weather turning nicer it’s time to start traveling the open roads of New England. Recently, my wife, who is always up for a challenge, was searching for a decent place to take my mother-in-law for her birthday. "We are going to Longfellow's Wayside Inn" she exclaimed. I thought why? I’ve never heard of this place but knew it was in my best interest to not say anything. My wife’s instincts are usually spot on as far as food and travel go but this one left me puzzled.

Where to eat near Fenway Park?

It is that time of year again and on Friday, April 4th the Red Sox will open the season at home on the quest for another World Series Championship. From early in our dating days (many years ago), my wife and I have attended many games at Fenway. This combines two of my greatest loves in life (after my wife, of course) food and sports. There is nothing like seeing a game here but for those visiting from out of state one of the most common questions we hear is: Where should we go to eat near Fenway Park?

Dessert before dinner at Morano Gelato in Hanover

To say that we love desserts is an understatement. Whether it is ice cream, cupcakes or a great bakery we have tried it all and think we know a thing or two about sweet treats. If a restaurant doesn't make their own desserts, we don’t bother to order anything to end the meal. One dessert that we don’t have too much experience with is the Italian ice cream known as gelato. We’ve been hearing so much about a small shop in Hanover, NH that we knew it was a destination for our latest road trip.

Fall Events: Pumpkin People 2013 with Slideshow in Jackson

As some of you know once a year we take a trip up north to see the beautiful fall foliage in the Conway,  New Hampshire area.  Food is always on the agenda and so is visiting Jackson to see the Pumpkin People. A number of local businesses compete for the best Pumpkin Person. This started 26 years ago and has become a yearly tradition for my wife and I. You can see them from October 1st  through the 20th.

If you have never visited Jackson you really should as this is one of the prettiest towns in New England. It is all there, the foliage, beautiful rivers, covered bridges and picturesque views.

So as not to spoil a trip for you we put together a slideshow from last year to give you a taste of the Pumpkin People. Be prepared to be amazed at the creativity.

Use Oyster to help find your next road trip hotel

Has this ever happened to you? After planning your vacation you finally reach your destination to find a dirty room, miscellaneous fees, or pictures that look nothing like those shown on their website. Since you feel that your trip has been ruined and you wonder what you could have done differently? Whether you are searching hotels for a vacation, honeymoon or business there is a website that may help called Oyster. I realize there are hundreds of sites that offer reviews of hotels including Trip Advisor, Yelp, Frommer’s, Fodors, and Hotels.com to name a few. I’m not saying these should be forgotten but Oyster goes above and beyond to help you reduce the chances of a nightmare.

Road Trip: Eat Cake, Newburyport, Massachusetts

{Editors Note: Unfortunately Eat Cake has closed but don't let that keep you from visiting the beautiful town of Newburyport.}

One of our favorite destinations is the small seaside town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. The town is charming – from the stately colonial era houses to the adorable downtown boutiques there is something for everyone and people come to visit in droves. It is our dream to live here someday but the real estate is very pricey so we settle for road trips to Newburyport. Although this is a small town there is a nice mix of restaurants and a bakery specializing in delicious cupcakes.

Take a $2 gamble on a Chessters ice cream cookie sandwich

Most people plunk down $2 on a Powerball ticket on a chance at winning millions of dollars as visions of fancy cars, boats, and vacations race through their heads. I certainly wouldn’t say no to my share of the jackpot but I feel like a winner when I spend my $2 on a Chessters ice cream cookie sandwich that are made by Rhino Foods in Burlington, Vermont. The name is a bit misleading since it is actually frozen vanilla custard between two chocolate chip cookies.

60 Free Cultural Events in Massachusetts on Fridays this Summer

Free Fun Fridays!

Now that school is out and the heat of the summer is upon us, you’re probably looking for ways to entertain the kids. Want to have fun while saving money at the same time? We have the answer for you with Free Fun Fridays.

Each Friday from June 28 – August 31, six cultural venues in Massachusetts will open their doors to the public at no cost. Weekly offerings include selections from museums to zoos to historical sites with locations all throughout the state. Please note that while admission is free there may be a charge for parking at certain venues. Be sure to check before heading out for the day.

For complete information on the participating attractions, please visit http://highlandstreet.org/freefunfridays.html

We hope you have a wonderful summer!

Food Trends: The Hunt for Cronuts

Undoubtedly by now you have seen a news clip or read an article about the latest food craze to sweep the nation – ok, maybe just NYC – the cronut. It’s interesting to note that most food fads start on the west coast so I was pleasantly surprised to see one so close to home.

For those of you that haven’t heard about the cronut yet, it is a hybrid of a donut and a croissant. So, it’s basically a sweet, airy, buttery delight! Sadly, I haven’t had the time to stand in line for HOURS to try one (yes, hours with no guarantee of getting your hands on them) but I do hope to partake at some point this summer. Since they are currently only available at the Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC, my partner in crime and I will have no choice but to take a road trip.

Stay tuned for further developments!

Sweets, Bacon and Pumpkin People, Polly's Pancake Parlor, Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

For our next excursion, we are sending you on a joy ride to the small town of Sugar Hill for unbelievable bacon and pancakes at Polly's Pancake Parlor. You see, even if you are like me and only eat pancakes a few times per year this place is a must for the casual pancake eater or for loyal fans.