Today’s Forecast

37º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 4:28 p.m.

The view from the top of Mount Greylock in Adams. | Photo by @_dude_with_a_camera_

Whether you’re craving an adventure, searching for some small town charm, or looking to hit the trails, there is no shortage of great towns to explore across the Bay State. In fact, there are 11 “best-kept secrets” featured on this list by World Atlas.

The good news is there is something for everyone within a day trip of Boston. Fill up the tank and journey out a little farther than the “Last of Us” recommends to see some new views.

For the adventure seeker: Adams, ~2 hours, 35 minutes

Reach the peak of our state and summit Mount Greylock, the tallest natural point in Massachusetts.

For the antique shoppers: Sheffield, ~2 hours, 35 minutes

There are more than 10 local antique shops in this town, including the antiques mall with 78,000+ sqft of treasures to find.

For the history buffs: Buckland, ~2 hours, 10 minutes

Check out the Buckland Historical Society Museum, featuring artifacts and exhibitions showcasing the town’s history and culture. While you’re there, don’t miss the The Bridge of Flowers, open from April through October.

For the artist: Great Barrington, ~2 hours, 20 minutes

Stroll through the exhibits at local galleries like Bernay Fine Art + The Vault.

For the hikers: Petersham, ~1 hour, 30 minutes

Explore the nearly 4,000-acre Harvard Forest and the man-made Quabbin Reservoir.

For those who love to shop small: Williamsburg, ~1 hour, 55 minutes

Step back in time with a stop at the Williamsburg General Store or Williamsburg Market.

Once you visit these, check out the other five featured towns, including Belchertown, Charlemont, Erving, North Adams, and Orange.

Asked

Question

Do you know of another hidden gem town we should add to the list?

Tell us here

Events

Thursday, March 23

PAX East | Thursday, Mar. 23-Sunday, Mar. 26 | Times vary | Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | $67 | Friends, families, and gamers from around the world can play new video games and meet the creators.
Ring in Spring Sip & Script | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6 p.m. | Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston | $70 | Learn the basics of using a beginner’s calligraphy kit at the Fenway food hall.
Women in Hip-Hop Film Festival | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 12-6 p.m. | The Hiphop Archive & Research Institute, 104 Mount Auburn St., 2R, Cambridge | Free | The Cambridge festival will explore the stories of influential female rappers + the future of hip-hop feminism.

Friday, March 24

Hyde Park Coffee Hour | Friday, Mar. 24 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Las Delicias Colombianas 2, 1231 River St., Boston | Free | Meet the neighborhood liaison Denyel Fonseca over a cup of coffee.
Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | $139-$1014 | Cheer on the home team against the visitors from Indiana (hey INDYtoday).
The Boston Turkish Film Festival | Friday, Mar. 24-Sunday, Mar. 26 | Times vary | Boston Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston | $0-$27 | Help the MFA celebrate both recognized Turkish filmmakers and newcomers.

Saturday, March 25

Crane & Turtle Mizuhiki Bookmark Workshop | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville | $40 | Create a traditional Japanese craft using stiff paper cords for knots during this 90-minute workshop.

Sunday, March 26

South American Spirits Cocktail Class | Sunday, Mar. 26 | 2-4 p.m. | Fool’s Errand, 1377 Boylston St., Boston | $120 | The team behind Fenway’s “adult snack bar” will host a tasting of spirits + cocktails from South America.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ more events

News Notes

Weather

58º | Scattered showers | 40% chance of rain

Coming Soon

Dani’s Queer Bar is expecting to open by Thursday, June 1. The new bar for women and non-binary LGBTQ+ community members will be posting job opportunities and updates soon. Follow along to stay up to date and find local events.

Arts

A mural in Chinatown titled “Tied Together by a Thousand Threads” was restored by community members after it was vandalized during the pandemic. The Phillips Square mural was installed in July 2017 by the Asian Community Development Corporation. (Boston Globe)

Biz

A local startup called Soft Landing is offering edibles that can reduce the effects of consuming too much cannabis. Alice Stone and Eli Stoloff are testing the natural chocolates — the first round of survey responses have yielded ~80% effective results. (Boston Business Journal)

Environment

Sampled paint chips from the Tobin Bridge have revealed traces of lead in Chelsea. Officials from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation plan to complete a full assessment and reach out to people living in the neighborhood. (7 News)

Learn

The City of Boston is hosting two compost certification programs for residents to gain practical knowledge, practice hands-on activities, and hear from guest speakers. The four weekly sessions at City Hall will be held on Saturdays. Dig in.

Ranked

No. 2. That’s where the Bay State ranked on a 2023 list of the most innovative states. Massachusetts tied for first in the projected STEM job demand by 2030 + ranked first for the state’s innovation environment. (WalletHub)

Today Is

National Puppy Day. This is your sign to support the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and maybe consider adopting a furry family member. If you already have a pup in your life, why not treat them to a new floofy bed?

Shop

It’s that time of year to freshen up your home’s aroma, and our online shop (Six & Main) has the perfect candles. Drift away to scents such as woods + berries by The Rustic House or ripe juniper in a reusable vessel by Plant Based Candles. That smells just about right.

Development

Possible park in the sky for Chinatown

The project is one of 45 nationwide to receive funding. | Photo by @jamessarlophotography

Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation awarded the City of Boston $1.8 million to create new community spaces in Chinatown. Here’s what we know about the “Reconnecting Chinatown” project.

The community is completing a study to add green space to the area above the highway between Shawmut Avenue + Washington Street. The location in question is also known as Parcel 21.

The study will examine future design guidelines for three other air-rights parcels from Harrison Avenue to Arlington Street — Parcels 19, 20 + 22 — which total approximately 1,750 ft.

Why is this important? There is not a lot of green space in Chinatown, which is divided by the highway. Connecting the neighborhood by adding new community spaces has been a long-time goal for local organizations.

The federal funding is expected within six months, then a local project manager can be hired for the two-year grant.

The Wrap

Jess Burton in a blue shirt and gold necklace

Today’s Edition By:
Jessica

From the Editor

Could Boston nip nips in the bud?

City councilors discussed a proposed ban on mini bottles of liquor at a council meeting yesterday. Chelsea has had a ban in place since 2018 and a recent volunteer cleanup picked up over 10,000 nips from Hyde Park. Let me know if you think the city should ban the mini bottles of booze.

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