Notable New England

Content warning: This episode includes some strong language and discussion of current events that may be difficult or activating for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

On this episode of Notable New England, I’m joined once again by my very first podcast guest, Esther Friedman, a Massachusetts-licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, and musician, for a timely and deeply meaningful conversation about...

This episode of Notable New England shares calming things to do across New England to reduce stress, support mental health, and reset your nervous system during overwhelming times. Discover peaceful outdoor experiences, scenic road trips, libraries, lighthouses, gardens, and community-centered activities in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. These simple pauses can help you recharge, reconn...

In this episode of Notable New England, I reflect on highlights from the podcast’s first full year, share what listeners loved most in 2025, and talk about where the show is headed in 2026. I also share a few New England–inspired New Year’s resolutions—from being a tourist in your own backyard to supporting public libraries and showing up for local community life. A cozy, community-focused conversation about New Engla...

Content warning: This episode begins with a message of condolences related to the Brown University & Brookline, MA shootings. While details are not discussed, the mention of the events could be triggering for some listeners. There are also brief references to adult themes when discussing historical Christmas traditions, so listener discretion is advised, particularly if young ears are present.

What did Christmas look like gener...

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts with real New England charm? In this episode, I share a curated, unsponsored list of my favorite New England-made gifts and local experiences—from L.A. Burdick Chocolate and the Vermont Country Store to King Arthur Baking classes, Maine lobster deliveries, New Haven pizza tours, the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, Newport Mansions memberships, Del’s Lemonade goodies, and more.

Perfect for any...

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. This little show feels like a community we’re building together, and your perspective helps me understand what feels meaningful, what you connect with, and what you’d like to hear more of. If you have a moment to share, I’d be so grateful. I put together a very short, two-minute survey—just 10 simple questions—so I can listen to your thoughts and learn from you. You can find it ...

Dearest lovely listeners,

I’d love to get your thoughts on the podcast. Are you enjoying it? Is it fun, interesting, and worth your time each week? I really want to make sure it’s something you look forward to—and your feedback helps me do that.

I’ve put together a super short, two-minute survey—just 10 quick questions—to hear what you like, what you’d tweak, and even how you first found us. You can find it at bit.ly/nnpodsurvey

B...

CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Notable New England does have some mentions of death and content that might be a bit scary for young ears or those sensitive to subjects involving death, causes of death, or paranormal activity. Listener discretion is advised.

With Halloween just around the corner, I’m exploring some of New England's haunted places — where history meets the supernatural. From Rhode Island’s Providence Athenaeum, whe...

From lighthouses and lobsters to libraries and lingo, this episode dives into the little-known stories behind the six New England states. Join us as we uncover quirky, surprising, and historic facts about Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island — the kind of trivia that makes you say, “Huh, I never knew that!”

You’ll learn:

• Which U.S. state has just one syllable and borders only one other s...

Everyone knows Salem, Massachusetts is the Halloween capital of the world—but if you’d rather skip the crowds, chaos, and parking nightmares, this episode is for you! 🎃 Join me as I uncover Halloween happenings across New England—from haunted boat rides in Providence, to Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village, and ghostly galas in Newport. I'll share family-friendly events, spooky historical lectures, eerie live music, an...

Set sail for Episode 22 of Notable New England as we welcome Chris Maden, President of the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival. In this lively episode, Chris takes us inside the world of sea chanteys—traditional maritime work songs. Learn what makes a sea chantey unique, explore its fascinating history, and hear about the vibrant Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, where music lovers and history buffs come together to celebrate New En...

Fall in New England is more than just foliage season—it’s a cultural celebration! In this episode, we take you on a tour of the region’s top arts, music, and theater events for the 2025/2026 season. From world-class Broadway tours at the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s 101st season, to inspiring exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Farnsworth Art Museum, there’s something for every ...

On this episode of Notable New England, we’re talking about the power of music, community, and showing up for one another in times of crisis. Fair warning, there is a curse word used to describe the theme of a song at 30:58 and 31:12.

My guest, Janet Feld—a beloved New England musician with deep ties to Kerr County, Texas—has organized a benefit concert at Club Passim in Cambridge to support flood relief efforts in Central Texas fo...

New England isn’t just known for lobster rolls and chowder. It’s also home to some of the best ice cream in the country, and yes, we eat it year-round! In this deliciously cool episode, we’re dishing up a scoop-by-scoop tour of beloved ice cream shops across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. From old-fashioned ice cream stands to organic maple creemees and innovative flavors like “Breakfas...

Ready to hit the road and discover the most delightfully weird, wonderfully kitschy, and totally unforgettable roadside attractions in New England? In this episode of Notable New England, we're packing the car and mapping out a quirky journey across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, highlighting 12 legendary stops you won’t want to miss.

From a giant blueberry dome in Maine to a mysterious...

Beat the heat this summer with a refreshing dip at some of New England’s most beautiful swimming spots. In this episode of Notable New England, I take you on a sun-soaked journey to the region’s best beaches, waterfalls, ponds, and swimming holes—from Vermont’s Buttermilk Falls and Maine’s Ogunquit Beach to Rhode Island’s Goosewing Preserve and Connecticut’s hidden gem, DuBois Beach.

Whether you’re craving the soft sands of Cape Co...

Summer is finally here, and it's time to take advantage of the sunshine and longer days! In this episode of Notable New England, we’re exploring incredible summer events happening across all six New England states—from coastal festivals in Maine to classical music in Vermont, seafood feasts in Rhode Island, historic reenactments in New Hampshire, renaissance flair in Connecticut, and star-studded concerts in Massachusetts.

Whether ...

On this fresh and flavorful episode of Notable New England, we'll uncover some of the best farmers’ markets across New England. Whether you’re a lover of heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, or just enjoy wandering through open-air stalls of homemade breads, fresh flowers, local meats, and artisan crafts, this episode is your perfect summer guide.

We’ll spotlight standout markets like:

Brattleboro and Burlington Farmers’ Markets in Vermo...

In this episode of Notable New England, we dive into Boston’s lesser-known corners—the ones locals whisper about and visitors often miss. From kayaking the Charles River to sipping tea at the Boston Public Library, I’ll share some of my favorite off-the-beaten path spots to explore. Discover the stunning stained-glass globe at the Mapparium, stroll the historic Black Heritage Trail, and more! 

These are places where Boston’s spirit...