Scenic Six
Plus: Everything you need to know about Sail Boston 2026, a Father’s Day deal, and more.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Summer officially returns this weekend (yay) and I’ve got plenty of fun ideas for how to spend the warmest season in Massachusetts — from whale watches to awesome beaches to walking the Freedom Trail.
I’m also sharing everything you need to know about the tall ships coming to Boston next month, details about the NH Beer Trail Festival, the Vermont Blueberry Festival, where first-time dads can snag a free meal this Father’s Day, and more.
50 things to do this summer across Massachusetts
Fill your calendar with fun after checking out this list of 50 things to do in Massachusetts this summer. Some of my favorites: Strolling through the North End of Boston, sipping wine on the lawn of Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod, and relaxing to live music at Tanglewood in the Berkshires.
Airbnbs are less expensive in these Boston area neighborhoods during World Cup, Sail Boston
If you’re still looking for an Airbnb near the city for the World Cup or Sail Boston, Airbnb has provided the Boston-area neighborhoods with the highest concentration of properties renting for under $500 a night. Find out where they are.
Everything you need to know about Sail Boston 2026
Before the tall ships glide into Boston July 11-16, find out where the ships are coming from, how to tour them, the best places to watch the Parade of Sail, security measures being taken, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about Sail Boston 2026.
Travel tips
- The White Mountains are the backdrop for the 11th annual NH Beer Trail Festival at the scenic Tuckerman Brewing Co. in Conway, N.H. The festival, taking place on June 27, will include nearly 40 New Hampshire breweries, more than 100 craft beers, food trucks, live music, local artists, and more.
- Blueberry lovers, start scouting out your Vermont digs for the 18th Annual Vermont Blueberry Festival, taking place in the Deerfield Valley region of southern Vermont July 31 to Aug. 9. The festival will bring a parade, block party, live music, art show, car show, craft fair, blueberry pie sale, live music, blueberry jello party, and more.
Deals and steals
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- First-time fathers will enjoy a complimentary lunch at Medium Rare in Watertown on Father’s Day, June 21. Dads must bring proof of their child’s 2026 birth (birth certificate or similar documentation).
- Shakespeare lovers can book the Shakespeare on the Common package at The Newbury Boston and get two VIP tickets to Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s 30th anniversary production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” running July 22 to Aug. 9 on Boston Common as well as luxury overnight accommodations. Rates start at $1,034 per night (it varies based on room category, dates, and availability).
- Travelers who book a three-or four-night stay at Gardiner House, a waterfront boutique hotel in Newport, get 15% off the entire reservation through Dec. 31 courtesy of its Stay More and Save package. Those interested must use the promotional code stay3 when booking.
If you’re spending time in Boston, check out 10 free things to do in the city in June.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the Greenway during a recent 90 degree day in Boston, taken by Michael.
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.
— Kristi
Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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