Wicked Local: A New England Blog

10 Unspoken Rules of a New England Farm Stand in September
September farm stands run on cider donuts, pumpkin pageants, and rules nobody wrote down. Here are 10 unspoken ones every New Englander already knows. Read more...
Why Real New Englanders Do Salem in September
Halloween gets the crowds. Locals know the secret: Salem in September is walkable, crisp, pumpkin-season ready, and somehow still parking-possible. Read more...
10 Reasons September Is Secretly the Best Month in New England
Warm beaches, crisp air, early foliage, football Sundays, and cider donuts — September is New England's secret boss level. Here are 10 reasons why. Read more...
You Know School's Back in New England When...
Buses, backpacks, iced coffee the size of a fire extinguisher, and drop-off traffic that rivals the Cape. Here's how you know school is back in New England. Read more...
Labor Day Weekend in New England Is a Contact Sport
Labor Day is September 7. In New England that's not a long weekend. That's Cape vs. lakes, last swim, and traffic you sat in on purpose. Read more...
10 Signs Fall Is Already Happening in New England (Even If It's Still 80 Degrees)
It's still 80 degrees. The beach towels are still damp. And fall is already happening anyway. Here are 10 signs New England doesn't wait for the calendar. Read more...
The Marshfield Fair Is the Last Honest Week of New England Summer
The 158th Marshfield Fair opens August 21. Fried dough, tractor pulls, and the last honest week of New England summer before Labor Day tries to end it. Read more...
The Unofficial Rules of a New England Football Sunday
August is already football season here. The unofficial rules of a New England football Sunday — from the couch to Foxboro — before the Patriots open September 9 in Seattle. Read more...
10 New England Town Names That Sound Completely Made Up (But They're Real)
Sandwich. Mexico. Moodus. Belchertown. New England has town names that sound like a joke — except you can actually live there. Here are 10 of the best. Read more...
Squeeze Every Last Drop Out of Summer — Then Fall Into the Best Season in New England
Labor Day doesn't mean summer is over in New England — it means the best part is just beginning. Here's how to close out August strong and slide right into... Read more...
The Hacky Sack Is Back — And This Time Gen Z is Running the Circle
 Born from a knee injury in 1972, sold to Wham-O for six figures, declared dead by the internet — and now selling out in stores nationwide. The surprisingly wild story... Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to Summer in New England (2026 Edition)
 Lobster rolls. Beach traffic. Humid July nights. Brilliant sunsets over the Cape. Summer in New England is a whole thing — and nobody does it quite like us. Here's your... Read more...
250 Years in the Making: How New England Is Celebrating the Most Epic 4th of July Ever
July 4th, 2026 isn't just another Independence Day — it's America's 250th birthday, and New England is at the center of it all. From the biggest Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular... Read more...
The Best Father's Day Gifts for New England Dads in 2026
Skip the boring tie this Father's Day. If your dad is a proud New Englander, we've got something he'll actually wear — and brag about. Here's your 2026 gift guide... Read more...
The Best Mother's Day Gifts for New England Moms in 2026
Skip the generic gifts this Mother's Day. If your mom bleeds New England, we've got something she'll actually love — and actually wear. Here's your 2026 gift guide for the... Read more...
Patriots' Day in Boston: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Like a True New Englander
 Patriots' Day isn't just a day off — it's the most New England thing that exists. From a predawn battle reenactment on Lexington Green to the thunder of cannon fire... Read more...
Best Places to Watch the Boston Marathon: Your Ultimate Spectator Guide
Marathon Monday is one of the most celebrated days in Boston — and you don't have to run 26.2 miles to be part of it. Read more...
Boston Marathon Gear Guide: What to Wear, Carry, and Gift
Marathon Monday is one of the most electric days on the Boston calendar — and showing up unprepared is a rookie mistake. Whether you're pinning on a bib, lining the... Read more...
You Know You're From Boston When...
There's no place quite like Boston — and if you grew up here, you know exactly what we mean. From the way you talk to the way you drive, here... Read more...
Boston Spring Survival Guide: How New Englanders Deal With the Worst Season
Spring in New England isn't a season — it's a trick. One day it's 58 and sunny, the next you're scraping ice off your car. Here's the Bostonian's guide to... Read more...
What to Wear to a Baseball Game in New England
Introduction If you’ve never been to a baseball game in New England, you might assume the dress code is simple: grab a T-shirt, throw on a hat, and enjoy nine... Read more...
New England Baseball Culture: The Traditions, Rituals, and Unwritten Rules
Introduction Baseball culture in New England isn’t just about the game. It’s about cold April nights, summer evenings that smell like grilled hot dogs, and the strange ability to discuss... Read more...
The Unofficial New England Baseball Opening Day Survival Guide
Introduction Baseball Opening Day means different things depending on where you live. In some parts of the country, it means sunshine, warm air, and sitting comfortably in short sleeves. In... Read more...
Paddy’s Day vs. Patty’s Day: Why the Spelling Actually Matters in New England
Every March, it happens. Someone posts “Happy St. Patty’s Day” — and somewhere in New England, a collective eye twitch begins. So let’s clear this up once and for all:... Read more...
What to Wear for St. Patrick’s Day in 30-Degree Weather (Without Regretting It)
St. Patrick’s Day in New England looks festive in photos. What the photos don’t show is that it’s 30 degrees with a coastal wind that feels personal. If you’re heading... Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Day in New England
St. Patrick’s Day in New England is not a casual holiday. It’s not just green beer and shamrocks. It’s generational pride. It’s layered clothing. It’s a parade happening in 38-degree... Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to New England Slang
If you’ve ever been told to “bang a uey at the packie before the nor’easter hits,” congratulations — you already speak New England slang. New England slang isn’t just vocabulary.... Read more...
12 Easy, Unforgettable Day Trips from Boston (That Feel Like a Full New England Vacation)
12 Easy, Unforgettable Day Trips from Boston (That Feel Like a Full New England Vacation) If you’re in Boston and craving that classic New England experience—coastal views, small-town charm, lighthouse... Read more...
SIP & DESIGN: A Galentine’s Charm Bracelet Workshop with Nicely Jewelry
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with creativity and sparkle at SIP & DESIGN, presented by Nicely Jewelry on February 13, 2026. Gather your besties for a fun, hands-on charm bracelet workshop where... Read more...
Celebrate Winter at the Newport Winter Festival: New England’s Coolest Event
Celebrate winter in style at the Newport Winter Festival, returning February 13–22 for ten days of unforgettable fun along Rhode Island’s scenic coastline. From lively food competitions and the debut... Read more...
Get Ready for New England’s Ultimate Big Game Celebration — Fenway All Access Block Party This Sunday!
Multiple bars, one all-access pass, and the biggest game of the year come together in Fenway this Sunday. The Fenway All Access Block Party takes over the neighborhood with big... Read more...
Heat Up Your Weekend at the Some Like It Hot Chili Cook Off
Warm up your weekend at the Some Like It Hot Chili Cook Off in Harvard Square. Local restaurants serve up their best chili for a friendly, fan-voted competition filled with... Read more...
Under the Full Moon: A Vermont Wellness Retreat Worth the Escape
If you’ve been craving a true reset, the Full Moon Mountain Wellness Retreat in Vermont offers a chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect—surrounded by mountain views, fresh air, and... Read more...
Spin for a Cause: The PMC Winter Cycle
The PMC Winter Cycle brings riders together  for an unforgettable indoor ride.With high-energy sessions, community spirit, and a mission that matters, it’s more than a workout. Every spin helps raise... Read more...
Layer Up: The Tall Ship Ice Rink Is Changing Winter in New England
Winter in New England has officially entered a new era. The Tall Ship Ice Rink is redefining cold-weather fun with waterfront skating, harbor views, and a lineup of winter activities... Read more...
Stretch, Snuggle, Repeat: Puppy Yoga with Sweet Paws Rescue
Looking for a workout that comes with puppy kisses? Puppy yoga with Sweet Paws Rescue in Everett combines gentle movement, stress relief, and adoptable pups—all while supporting an incredible local... Read more...
Experience Winter in Style at the Lookout Rooftop Igloo Bar
Looking for a winter night out that feels anything but ordinary? The Lookout Rooftop Igloo Bar at the Envoy Hotel transforms cold Boston nights into a cozy, elevated experience. With... Read more...
Last Weekend to Celebrate the Holidays in Pink at MOIC Pinkmas
Looking to upgrade your holiday plans with something fun and unexpected? MOIC Pinkmas transforms the Museum of Ice Cream into a festive, pink-filled wonderland packed with interactive installations, holiday-inspired treats,... Read more...
Jazz Brunch at Coquette: Where Live Music Meets Weekend Brunch
Jazz Brunch at Coquette brings a fresh energy to the weekend by pairing live jazz performances with a thoughtfully crafted brunch menu. With smooth music filling the space and a... Read more...
Wonder: A New Musical Takes the Stage at the Loeb Drama Center
Wonder: A New Musical is coming to the Loeb Drama Center, bringing an original story to the stage that blends heartfelt storytelling, powerful performances, and original music. This new production... Read more...
Sam Adams Open Mic Night: A January 2 Boston Tradition in the Making
Sam Adams welcomes the new year with an Open Mic Night on January 2, bringing together local performers, a supportive crowd, and the kind of authentic Boston energy that makes... Read more...
Fro-Zen Cold Plunge Challenge with David Magone: Stepping Into the Cold
The Fro-Zen Cold Plunge Challenge with David Magone will offer participants a guided experience focused on mindset, breathwork, and stepping into discomfort with purpose. Designed to push personal limits while... Read more...
Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Southwick’s Zoo Winter Wonderland
Step into the magic of the season at Southwick’s Zoo Winter Wonderland! This beloved holiday tradition transforms the zoo into a glowing Christmas experience filled with millions of twinkling lights,... Read more...
Get Ready for Holiday Cheer at Track 15’s Meet & Greet With Santa
Santa is coming to Track 15! Bring the family for a festive, free Meet & Greet filled with holiday cheer, cozy vibes, and perfect photo moments. From writing letters to... Read more...
Hooves, Holiday Magic & Hometown Cheer: Inside Greenwich’s 17th Annual Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop
Step into the magic of the season at Greenwich’s 17th Annual Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop—a beloved holiday tradition that brings the North Pole right to Connecticut. Meet Santa’s real... Read more...
Cheers to the Season: A Festive Night Out at Blitzens at The Last Hurrah
Raise a glass to the holidays at Blitzens at The Last Hurrah—a festive pop-up bar inside Boston’s iconic Omni Parker House. With holiday-themed cocktails, cozy décor, and a cheerful atmosphere,... Read more...
Curtains Up on Christmas: The Magic of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Step into a world of magic, music, and holiday wonder with Boston Ballet’s iconic performance of The Nutcracker. From breathtaking choreography to dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this beloved... Read more...
Sparkle & Snowfall: A Holiday Getaway to Freeport, Maine’s Brightest Celebration
Experience the magic of the season at Freeport’s beloved Sparkle Celebration! From twinkling lights and festive shopping to L.L.Bean’s stunning Northern Lights display, this coastal Maine town transforms into a... Read more...
Southwick's Zoo Debuts Its Most Enchanted Winter Yet
Step into a sparkling holiday dream at Southwick’s Zoo Winter Wonderland in Mendon, MA! From millions of twinkling lights and festive displays to cozy fire pits, live shows, and Santa’s... Read more...
Wine Your Way Through New Haven
If you’re looking for a stylish, fun-filled evening in downtown New Haven, look no further than Flights of Fancy. This lively event — hosted by Town Green District in partnership... Read more...