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I traveled to Allen, Texas last week for a figure skating competition for my daughter and saw that temperatures back home shot higher than where we were in the Lone Star State. Typical New England weather: Sweatshirts one week, hotter than Texas the next. We didn’t have much time to sightsee, but enjoyed the people in Texas — and the barbecue!

This week, I’m writing about top-ranked beach towns in our region, free things to do throughout July, the Charlestown Seafood Festival, Best of Vermont Summer Festival, and $17.76 nightly rates at several hotels this month in celebration of Independence Day.

Soak in the rays at these top-ranked New England beach towns

From iconic boardwalks to outdoor dining to quaint shops and beautiful beaches, New England is full of top-ranked beach towns and I’ve rounded up a bunch for you. Some of my favorites include Nantucket and Provincetown in Massachusetts and Ogunquit in Maine.

Fill your calendar with free city fun

Boston is about to host one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the nation — the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade — and it doesn’t cost a thing. Check out more ways to have free fun in Boston during the month of July.

Put this college town on your travel list

A western Massachusetts town known for its lively downtown, coffee shops and restaurants, and the gorgeous Smith College is a must-see destination this year, according to CNN. Northampton was named among America’s 10 best towns to visit in 2025.

Travel Tips

Boston is kicking off a free summer concert series on July 7. Enjoy live music weekly in Boston’s parks through Aug. 8 during the 2025 ParkArts Citywide Neighborhood Concert Series. Check out the schedule.
The 40th annual Charlestown Seafood Festival, billed as one of the biggest events in New England, takes over Ninigret Park in Charlestown, R.I. Aug. 1-3. Guests will enjoy live music, amusement rides, fireworks, and plenty of seafood.
Mark your calendar for the fifth annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival, taking place Aug. 23-24 in Ludlow. The event will feature live music, a beer garden, maple, honey, and cheese sampling, classic cars, and more than 125 vendors.

Deals and Steals

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties is celebrating Independence Day with its first Independent Hotel Sale, featuring nightly rates that begin at $17.76 between June 27 and July 11. New England properties taking part include Wayfinder Newport in Newport, R.I.; Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine; The Kendall in Cambridge, Mass.; and The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester, Vermont. The rates are subject to availability.
Enjoy discounted meals in Rhode Island during Providence Restaurant Weeks, taking place July 6-19. You’ll find deals on cocktails, meals, and prix fixe menus at participating restaurants.
Are you more of a self-tour kind of person when you travel? Did you know you can get a free audio tour of Boston through the National Park Service? Just download the NPS App and choose your tour.

I’ll leave you with this photo I took over the weekend at Historic Downtown McKinney, located about 30 miles outside of Dallas and billed as one of the largest historic districts in Texas.

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.