The sun is shining, temps are rising, and normalcy seems almost on the horizon. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore—safely—at al fresco venues beyond the city limits.
If you’re seeking thrills, head an hour north to Salisbury Beach State Reservation. You’ll feel miles away from stress when you’re riding waves courtesy of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company, which offers group surf lessons and rentals (www.cinnamonrainbows.com). Or chill out with beachfront yoga at Groundswell Surf Café—look for themes like reggae—and then grab a healthy antioxidant smoothie, açai bowl, or grilled veggie sandwich on locally made sourdough (www.groundswellsurfcafe.com). Speaking of dough: Don’t leave without a classic beach pizza from either Cristy’s or Tripoli’s pizza (www.tripolibakery.com). Both lay claim to the area’s best slice, with plenty of sauce.
Photograph Courtesy of Ashley Plante analogwedding.com
If you’re in the mood for lobster, take a dramatic drive along Route 1A, which hugs the coastline and passes sprawling estates. into Rye, New Hampshire. Stop for a meaty lobster roll—served on an enormous sandwich bun—at Petey’s Summertime Seafood (www.peteys.com), a local institution.
Or leave Boston behind on the Provincetown Ferry (www.baystatecruisecompany.com). Take a guided Instagram tour courtesy Pedal Ptown (www.pedalptown.com), which offers insider tips on the town’s most iconic buildings, photogenic streetscapes, and scenic dunes. For a historical pit stop, visit the 252-foot Pilgrim Monument, created by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum designer Willard Thomas Sears. Nearby, learn about the history of the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Nation at the Provincetown Museum (www.pilgrim-monument.org).
P-town is also famous for its windswept dunes, and one of the best walks is along Dune Shack Trail. Walk by 19 isolated homes—some are rented annually by artists and writers, selected by lottery—part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Learn more (www.thecompact.org), and bring comfy shoes. Fuel up with sugar first with a cupcake from ScottCakes, topped with an enormous swirl of pink buttercream (www.scottcakes.com) or a scoop of homemade ice cream from Lewis Brothers, topped with signature hot fudge (www.lewisbrothersicecream.com).
For a bigger meal, local gourmands stop at the Canteen for counter-service comfort food with inventive spins, like a crab Rangoon panini or Dorito-crusted fried chicken (www.thecanteenptown.com). For a full roster of P-town beaches and events listings, visit www.ptownchamber.com.
Photograph Courtesy of Nathan Guarino
For a sophisticated outing in Rhode Island, stroll Newport’s shoreline Cliff Walk and gaze at the mansions nearby (www.newportmansions.org), or book a private charter with friends to see Newport’s most iconic buildings—such as Hammersmith Farm, former home of Jackie Onassis—from the water (www.sightsailing.com). Snap up bubbles, cheese, and charcuterie first from Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet (www.newportwinecellar.com). Prefer your fun on dry land? Book a round of golf at Newport National, an acclaimed public course designed by legendary architect Arthur Hills (www.newportnational.com).
Finally, if you crave relaxation—and who could blame you?—head west to the Berkshires. Enjoy quiet reflection at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (www.kripalu.org), reopening in August, or pamper yourself at Canyon Ranch, with spa and wellness services plus themed weekends focusing on mindfulness, dance, and fitness (www.canyonranch.com). Cap off the trip with a Boston Symphony Orchestra performance at the newly reopened Tanglewood, featuring appearances by Yo-Yo Ma ’76, D.Mus. ’91, and Wynton Marsalis, D.Mus. ’09 (www.bso.org). After the year we’ve had, it’s music to our ears.
