quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:

quote:

Originally posted by Phred:
Agree with all of the above. Plus, stop by Mikes Pastry while you’re in the north end. It’s cash only, but you’ll get the best cannoli around!

Mikes is now an overpriced tourist trap. Go to one of the smaller bakeries. The cannolis are all about the same.

Agree on that! Across from Mikes is the Daily Catch and they have fantastic seafood and pasta. My wife and I are partial to the lobster fra diablo for 2. No frills, plastic cups, cheap Italian wine but an amazing meal.
The North-end location has been closed for remodel
But should be open by end of February.
https://thedailycatch.com/

If you like beer Trillium Boston is worth the trip, classic New England IPAs and more.
https://www.trilliumbrewing.com/locations/fort-point

This message has been edited. Last edited by: liner,

Thanks for the suggestions. I think, sad to say, we may give Boston itself a miss. Probably going to hang out in the outer cape. I think nature and sightseeing is going to be the main focus.

Also, guys, I don't drink. So, bars and beer are out. Good pub food is definitely an option, though, but if it's some dive bar for fish and chips that happens to have great drink specials, then let's skip that.

I guess my sister-in-law really likes some place called Keltic Kitchen, so we'll be going there. Whydah Pirate Museum is on the suggested list as well, my son would probably love that. Buttonwood park zoo as well.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
To be clear there are no state covid rules. No mask required. It is individual cities like Boston requiring them. I’m in the city now having seen Bruce Dickinson at the Shubert theater last night. The vaccine and mask nazi shit is brutal. I won’t be back to the city for a long time.

Awesome. So, about like Seattle. Fuck all that. I'm not flying from coast to coast to play those games.

If skipping Boston, take a spin over to New Bedford and Fall River. Battleship Massachusetts is in Fall River. New Bedford the home of whaling and some great restaurants there!

The Cape has a ton of quaint sightseeing places, but off Cape and close is Onset Village and as I mentioned on the first page, Plymouth is a short trip up Rt 3.

New Bedford and Fall River are often referred to as the "arm-pit" of Massachusetts.

^^^ Being born in Brockton and growing up in West Bridgewater, I'm well aware.

But still some nice places to see...

Speaking of arm pits.....Brockton has become the asshole!

quote:

Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Thanks for the suggestions. I think, sad to say, we may give Boston itself a miss. Probably going to hang out in the outer cape. I think nature and sightseeing is going to be the main focus.

Also, guys, I don't drink. So, bars and beer are out. Good pub food is definitely an option, though, but if it's some dive bar for fish and chips that happens to have great drink specials, then let's skip that.

I guess my sister-in-law really likes some place called Keltic Kitchen, so we'll be going there. Whydah Pirate Museum is on the suggested list as well, my son would probably love that. Buttonwood park zoo as well.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
To be clear there are no state covid rules. No mask required. It is individual cities like Boston requiring them. I’m in the city now having seen Bruce Dickinson at the Shubert theater last night. The vaccine and mask nazi shit is brutal. I won’t be back to the city for a long time.

Awesome. So, about like Seattle. Fuck all that. I'm not flying from coast to coast to play those games.

Celtic Kitchen is good; be hungry when you go, the portions are big.
The Whydah Pirate Museum is interesting.
Captain Parker's (right in front of the museum) has pretty good pub food and very good clam chowder.

quote:

Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
Thanks for the suggestions. I think, sad to say, we may give Boston itself a miss. Probably going to hang out in the outer cape. I think nature and sightseeing is going to be the main focus.

Also, guys, I don't drink. So, bars and beer are out. Good pub food is definitely an option, though, but if it's some dive bar for fish and chips that happens to have great drink specials, then let's skip that.

Okay then;

Steamers (and water)

All thing lobster to include, hot rolls, cold rolls, and full up meals - with water

Sig Factory (not that they will give/allow a tour but there's still the buffalo (as I recall) and store and; Exeter is a pretty cool town too.

Steamers - with water.

Kennebunkport (sightseeing drive and Lobster eating)

LL Bean

More Steamers (and water)

Salem MA. (tourist trap that it is, still pretty cool to visit at least once)

Salem has mask mandate in all public and private places that allow the public in.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
Salem has mask mandate in all public and private places that allow the public in.

Anywhere in the states which are considered the birth places of American freedom are now ruled by King George III's off spring.

Enjoy your visit to Massachusetts wherever you decide to explore. I was born here and spent the first 30 something years of my life here. Avoid the places mentioned here as places to avoid. I left here for 25+ years and returned only to care for my aging parents 8 years ago. Would not have returned otherwise and will leave as soon as my responsibilities here are complete. The historical and cultural sites are awesome, if not overwhelming.
Here's my minor beef with this thread and there have been multiple examples.
You WILL be IN Massachusetts and if you go there you WILL be IN Boston. However, you will be ON Cape Cod...Not in Cape Cod. Just like if you go to Hawaii, You will be IN Hawaii but ON an island, for example you will be ON Oahu or ON Maui etc. (another common error I see over and over). It always irks me when someone says they are staying IN the Cape.
Sorry for the rant but I needed to say it.
Again, enjoy your stay and avoid rush hour around Boston, it lasts pretty much all day. Big Dig be damned.

To add to what Rebut said: In MA we always try to remember to use our "blinka" when changing lanes on the highway.

quote:

Originally posted by yanici:
To add to what Rebut said: In MA we always try to remember to use our "blinka" when changing lanes on the highway.

This is a lie. Using your blinka is a sign of weakness. It will force the person behind you in the other lane to speed up to stop your lane change. Never use the blinka. Just change lanes as quickly as possible without warning. If a statey is around just use the blinka at the very last second.

If you do go into Boston, I recommend a visit to the Aquarium--it is really good.

The US Constitution is also worth a visit.

I visited Boston in 2011. Pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157627574314160/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157627408961253/

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
If you do go into Boston, I recommend a visit to the Aquarium--it is really good.

The US Constitution is also worth a visit.

I visited Boston in 2011. Pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157627574314160/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157627408961253/

flashguy

Well, I have changed my mind. I will insist on going to Boston to see the Constitution, do the Freedom Trail, and then check out the USS Constitution. I was enamored with that ship when I was little. Read everything I could get my hands on about it for a while. I have to see it in person. The document it was named for, and fought for, needs little explanation as to why I want to see it.

I'll look into the restaurants mentioned. My family doesn't eat much seafood (I know), but I love lobstah. That will have to happen.

Boston Dynamics.

The one thing I didn't mention, but should:

If you have never had a lobster roll, get one in MA or ME. Two types: light mayo or butter. Try both to find your favorite (I like the butter). On a New England hot dog bun is the only way. Sadly they have gotten pricey but how many times will you be in MA? I would recommend Arnold's in Eastham on the cape but they are listed at temporarily closed. This place is rated pretty high and the picture illustrates a lobster roll. If you head north for any reason, Woodman's of Essex for lobster rolls and fried clams.

quote:

On a New England hot dog bun is the only way.

I completely agree with this and it's best if it's fried in a pan with butter...not just toasted.

quote:

Originally posted by SPWAMike0317:
The one thing I didn't mention, but should:

If you have never had a lobster roll, get one in MA or ME. Two types: light mayo or butter. Try both to find your favorite (I like the butter). On a New England hot dog bun is the only way. Sadly they have gotten pricey but how many times will you be in MA? I would recommend Arnold's in Eastham on the cape but they are listed at temporarily closed. This place is rated pretty high and the picture illustrates a lobster roll. If you head north for any reason, Woodman's of Essex for lobster rolls and fried clams.

As you are planning your daily events- many on the restaurants on the outer cape are closed this time of year and will reopen in April. Once you get from Orleans and head north things become a lot less developed. The exception would be Provincetown. Of the restaurants that are open, most are operating with reduced schedules or fewer days. Best bet is to call ahead to confirm they are open.