Salem Harbor Salem MA Summer | Enjoy Travel Life

Boston to Salem Day Trip: 13 Thrilling Attractions Beyond Halloween

Salem, Massachusetts is a favorite fall destination in New England that’s especially popular during October. It makes a great Boston to Salem day trip.

With historic and present-day ties to witchcraft, Salem rings in the Halloween spirit with loads of seasonal activities from pumpkin carving to a Witches Ball.

But did you know Salem is a waterfront hub brimming with fine dining, cultural attractions, and a vibrant arts community worth visiting year-round?

I spent a magical day discovering a cool summer slice of this historic colonial town. It was a quick day trip from Boston, but I could have lingered or spread these activities (and more) over a long weekend.

Instead, I powered through one day in Salem I won’t soon forget. Check out these things to do in Salem most any time of year.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in May of 2022.

Read more

Il Molo Baked Lobster 1 | Enjoy Travel Life

Romantic North End Seafood Restaurant Celebrates Feast of the 7 Fishes

As you navigate the narrow waterfront streets of Boston’s “Little Italy,” you could easily overlook il Molo. But you won’t want to miss it, especially if you love fresh seafood.

Once you experience this romantic North End Seafood Restaurant, it may just become one of your favorite places to eat in Boston.

I had the recent pleasure of being hosted at Il Molo on my birthday. Read on to hear about our dining experience.

You’ll also learn a bit about the North End of Boston and an Italian Christmas Dinner tradition served Christmas Eve known as the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.”

Editor’s note: We updated this article in June 2022 to keep it up to date.

Read more

Chester Carry On Spinner Luggage

CHESTER Luggage: 11 Reasons I Love My Adorable Carry On

I was in search of a good-looking and durable carry-on suitcase within airline carry-on size limits for my long-haul flight from Boston to Los Angeles. That’s when the CHESTER Minima, a stylish, hard-shell suitcase, saved the day. Now, I can’t imagine traveling with it. Read my Chester luggage review, below.

Read more

Sesuit Harbor House Dennis MA | Enjoy Travel Life

Awesome Cape Cod Family Resort in Dennis | Fun for All

Sesuit Harbor House Lodging

I explored the charming town of Dennis, Massachusetts and discovered miles of soft-sand beaches, delicious fine and casual dining options, and a friendly New England community within Barnstable County. I stayed at Sesuit Harbor House, a Cape Cod family resort that was a pleasure to call home for the weekend.

Read more

Peppers Landing Seafood Brunswick ME 2 | Enjoy Travel Life

Best Seafood Restaurant in Brunswick Maine

Where to go in Brunswick ME for Seafood

I love discovering great places to eat amidst a sea of overpriced dining and chain restaurants when I’m on the coast. There’s a good selection of dining options in Brunswick, Maine’s downtown. But we were looking for a hidden gem. And that’s exactly what we found at Pepper’s Landing. In fact, we may have found the best seafood restaurant in Brunswick Maine.

Read more

Mandarin Oriental Boston Reception | Enjoy Travel Life

Where to Stay in Boston: Mandarin Oriental

Luxury Boston Hotel Delights the Senses

I was deciding where to stay in Boston for a conference when I became utterly enchanted by Mandarin Oriental Boston. My senses were uplifted by an intoxicating fragrance the moment I stepped through the door at 776 Boylston Street. The scent placed somewhere between freshly baked cookies and the luscious center of a fragrant rose. It begged me to stay.

Read more

Mer Sea Sarong Wrap Beach Cover Up Tassels | Enjoy Travel Life

Awesome Sarong Wrap Can be Worn Four Ways

Sarong Wrap: Best Beach Wear for Women

I love traveling light. When I find a wardrobe piece like this sarong wrap that does double-duty, you can bet it’s going in my suitcase. This Cotton Tassel Wrap from Mer-Sea & Co. easily replaced five (yes, 5!) items that would have otherwise been in my luggage.

It surpassed my every expectation from versatility and quality to style. Read my review to see if it’s right for you.

Read more

Bed and Breakfast in Falmouth Vineyard Sound | Enjoy Travel Life

Discover Waterfront Luxury at this Bed and Breakfast in Falmouth MA

Falmouth Massachusetts is one of the best destinations on Cape Cod. Situated on the southern coast of what’s called the “Upper Cape,” it boasts multiple inlets that create miles and miles of coastal access, beautiful beaches, and waterfront properties along the Atlantic Ocean. That’s just one reason I loved staying at Inn on the Sound, a luxurious bed and breakfast in Falmouth.

Read more

Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge MA Interior

10 Reasons To Love the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Mass.

We took a day trip to Western Massachusetts to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge MA. Just over two hours from Boston, the museum holds the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art. It is home to hundreds of the artist’s original paintings, This includes the famous Norman Rockwell self-portrait (“Triple Self-Portrait”), the “Four Freedoms,” and “The Runaway.”  In addition, the museum showcases the complete Rockwell series of Saturday Evening Post covers and Rockwell memorabilia.

Read more

Cape Cod Escape

Enjoy Chic Hospitality at The Parsonage Inn on Cape Cod

The Parsonage Inn - Orleans Cape Cod

Orleans, Massachusetts is just under an hour from the Bourne Bridge in Cape Cod and a perfect lower Cape escape.

It is home to beaches on both the Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and is a treasure trove of excellent dining, art galleries, and unique shops. You‘ll also find hiking spots and kettle ponds carved into the earth by ancient glaciers. (See the Orleans Bonus Section at the end of this post for a list of things to see and do!)

Orleans is part of what’s considered the “Lower Cape,” which also includes Brewster, Chatham, and Harwich. It’s a great base for further exploration of the Cape.

That was exactly our pleasure during an off-season getaway, where my friend and I experienced Orleans in a way many “summer people” don’t.

Regardless of which season you visit Cape Cod–whether it’s the slower pace of the off-season or the warm beachy summer months, we know you will enjoy the chic hospitality of The Parsonage Inn.

Read more

Comfort and Foodie Heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm

Comfort & Foodie Heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm

A Quick Winter Trip to The Berkshires

I set out one weekend to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Stockbridge is part of the Berkshires, clear across the state from my south-of-Boston home. In fact, it’s next to the last town in Western Massachusetts before you’re in upstate New York. But, with Rockwell’s original works on display and a chance to see his final studio, U knew it would be a worthwhile trip. Plus, I was itching for a winter change of scenery. Rather than make the round trip in a day, I extended my travels to an overnight and discovered comfort and foodie heaven at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm.

Read more

The Brown Jug in Sandwich

Best Quick Gourmet at The Brown Jug in Sandwich

The Brown Jug in Sandwich is a gourmet grocer in the historic district of Sandwich Village, Massachusetts. You’ll find it nestled among a handful of unique boutiques and antique shops, charming restaurants, and historic inns of this “Upper Cape” Cod town founded by the pilgrims.

Find out why it’s worth a visit, below.

Read more