A New England almanac — travel, food, the outdoors, heritage, and the makers who still get it right. Independent since 2015.https://themodernyankee.comen-usMon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/wild-blueberry-picking-maphttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/wild-blueberry-picking-mapWhere the public can pick wild Maine blueberries during the August harvest. The barrens, the public-access lands, and where to buy a real wood-handled rake.Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkblueberriesmainebarrenslubecforagingfield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/vermont-cheese-trailhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/vermont-cheese-trailTwenty-five Vermont cheesemakers worth visiting, organized into a three-day driving tour with the cheeses that anchor each stop. Jasper Hill, Cabot, Shelburne.Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkcheesevermontjasper-hillshelburne-farmscheesemakersfood-trailBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/sand-beach-otter-cliffhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/sand-beach-otter-cliffThe most-photographed half-mile of Acadia. Pink-sand beach, sea-cave thunder, granite cliff face, and how to time the half-day to do it well.Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsacadiasand-beachthunder-holeotter-cliffpark-loopphotographyBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-surf-spot-guidehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-surf-spot-guideEight named New England beach breaks plus the rare point breaks, with how to read swell, wind, and tide for whether they're working today.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventuresurfingbeachescoastalswellrhode-islandmainefield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-sugarhouse-open-house-directoryhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-sugarhouse-open-house-directoryEvery New England sugarhouse with a public open-house event. Vermont's fourth weekend of March, Maine Maple Sunday, the calendar by state.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkmaple-syrupsugarhousesvermontspringopen-housedirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-ski-resort-matrixhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-ski-resort-matrixThirty New England ski resorts ranked by trip type — destination, regional, local hill — with vertical, season, pass coverage, and Saturday-line reality.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureskiingstowekillingtonsugarloafepic-passikon-passwintercomparison-matrixBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/off-season-cape-codhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/off-season-cape-codCape Cod after Columbus Day: half the price, twice the room at the counter, and the lobster shacks that actually stay open. A case for the off-season weekend.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendscape-codoff-season-travelnew-england-weekendslobster-shacksshoulder-seasonBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-lighthouse-tour-schedulehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-lighthouse-tour-scheduleWhen 30 New England lighthouses open their doors to the public. Portland Head, Pemaquid, Boston Light, the seasonal tour schedule by state.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendslighthousesportland-headpemaquidboston-lighttoursfield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ward-8-cocktail-recipehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ward-8-cocktail-recipeThe Boston cocktail invented at Locke-Ober in 1898 to celebrate Martin Lomasney's election win in the Eighth Ward. The canonical recipe, the history dispute, and where to drink one.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorecocktailbostonrye-whiskeylocke-oberheritage1898lomasneyBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-heritage-apple-orchardshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-heritage-apple-orchardsTen verified New England orchards that specialize in heritage apple varieties — Tower Hill, Scott Farm, Gould Hill — and what to ask for at each.Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkheritage-applestower-hillscott-farmnorthern-spyorchardsdirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/spring-peepers-calendarhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/spring-peepers-calendarWhen New England's spring peepers start calling, where to hear them, and the nine-day shift in the chorus window scientists have measured since 1971.Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurespringfrogsphenologywildlifenew-englandaudubonfrog-watchvernal-poolsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-general-store-listhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-general-store-listFifty surviving New England general stores — built before 1965, post office, lunch counter, community function. The detailed working list.Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloregeneral-storescountry-storesvermont-country-storeheritagedirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-farmers-market-calendarhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-farmers-market-calendarEighty New England farmers' markets and their opening dates. Year-round options, seasonal markets, and which days each operates.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkfarmers-marketsboston-public-marketburlingtoncalendardirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/shirred-eggs-recipehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/shirred-eggs-recipeEggs baked in a ramekin with cream and butter — the Boston hotel breakfast every grand inn served from 1890 to 1960 and almost nobody makes at home anymore.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkbreakfasteggsrecipeheritage-cookingbostonvermont-creameryramekinBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-drive-in-theater-maphttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-drive-in-theater-mapTwelve drive-in theaters still operating in New England, all family-owned, mostly converted to digital projection. Where to sit and what's playing.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloredrive-inamericanacinemaheritagewellfleetmendondirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/sea-smoke-maine-coasthttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/sea-smoke-maine-coastWhen the air drops to zero and the ocean is still 38, the coast steams. Six places where January sea smoke is most reliable, with photography notes and safety reality.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurewinterphotographymaine-coastweatherlighthousespenobscot-baysea-smokeBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-dog-friendly-beacheshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-dog-friendly-beachesWhen and where dogs are welcome on New England beaches. The off-season rule, the year-round exceptions, and the towns that fine for violations.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventuredog-friendlybeachesleash-lawsoff-seasonfield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ribbon-candy-heritagehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ribbon-candy-heritageThe pleated, hand-pulled Christmas candy that used to sit in every New England grandmother's cut-glass dish — and the Brockton factory still making it the old way.Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorechristmascandyheritagebrocktonlewistonf-b-washburnhand-pulledBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-covered-bridge-atlashttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-covered-bridge-atlas200 historic covered bridges across five states, organized by the engineering: Town lattice, Howe truss, Burr arch. The day-drives that hit multiple.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorecovered-bridgesvermontnew-hampshireengineeringheritageatlasBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-birding-hotspotshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-birding-hotspotsTwenty IBAs across New England with their migration windows. Mount Auburn for warblers, Wachusett for hawk watch, Plum Island for waterfowl.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurebirdingmigrationwarblersraptorsmount-auburnplum-islandfield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/purgatory-chasm-with-kidshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/purgatory-chasm-with-kidsA 70-foot granite slot canyon in Sutton, Massachusetts that beats every other family hike in the state. What to bring, what to skip, and how to time the visit.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurehikingmassachusettsfamily-hikesstate-parkssuttongeologykids-outdoorsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-apple-variety-field-guidehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-apple-variety-field-guideThirty New England apple varieties — heritage and modern — with the drop calendar, eating-vs-pie-vs-cider sort, and the orchards that specialize in each.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkapplesheritage-varietiesnorthern-spyhoneycrispmacounfallfield-guideBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/pandowdy-recipehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/pandowdy-recipeThe forgotten New England apple dessert that beat pie. A single-crust topping broken halfway through baking, soaked in molasses-and-cider syrup. Lydia Maria Child wrote it down in 1832.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloredessertapplesmolassesheritage-cookinglydia-maria-childmarbleheadBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-antique-bookstore-atlashttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ne-antique-bookstore-atlasTwenty-five used and rare bookstores across New England — Brattle, Big Chicken Barn, Robinson Crusoe — with what each specializes in.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorebookstoresantiquarianbrattlebig-chicken-barnheritagedirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-diners-survivedhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-diners-survivedNew England's diner survivors — mostly pre-1965 manufactured cars still serving real food, plus a few honest heirs. What to order at each, how to read the survivors' tells, and why the diner matters.Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkdinersamericanamodern-dinercaseysagawamindustrial-designBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/mount-desert-beyond-bar-harborhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/mount-desert-beyond-bar-harborThe five MDI villages most visitors miss. Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor, Seal Cove, Town Hill — each with its own character.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsmount-desert-islandnortheast-harborsouthwest-harborseal-covebass-harboroff-the-beaten-pathBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/mud-season-new-englandhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/mud-season-new-englandThe fifth New England season nobody promotes. Mud-season geology, the inns that drop 60% in April, and the few places actually worth visiting between snowmelt and bloom.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloremud-seasonspringvermontoff-seasontravel-planningshoulder-seasonBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/made-in-massachusetts-buying-guidehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/made-in-massachusetts-buying-guideTwenty-five Massachusetts brands still made here. New Balance shoes, Sam Adams, Polar Beverages, MIT Press, the working list of Bay-State manufacturers.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTYankee-Mademassachusetts-madenew-balancesam-adamspolar-beveragesbuying-guideyankee-madeBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/marblehead-joe-brown-deep-divehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/marblehead-joe-brown-deep-diveJoseph Brown ferried Washington across the Delaware with the Marblehead Regiment, then ran an integrated tavern for 40 years. The frog pond beside it gave the cookie its name.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloremarbleheadjoe-froggersblack-historymarblehead-regiment1776tavernjoseph-brownBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/made-in-maine-buying-guidehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/made-in-maine-buying-guideTwenty-five Maine brands still manufacturing in-state, organized by category. L.L. Bean Boots, Thomas Moser furniture, Hinckley Yachts, the working list.Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTYankee-Mademaine-madethomas-moserll-beanstonewall-kitchenbuying-guideyankee-madeBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/maple-sugaring-calendarhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/maple-sugaring-calendarSix different answers to 'when is sugaring season,' depending on latitude and elevation. Open-house weekends, six sugarhouses worth driving to, and how to read the new grades.Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventuremaple-syrupsugaringvermontnew-hampshirespringopen-house-weekendmorse-farmBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lobster-shack-directoryhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lobster-shack-directory60+ named lobster shacks across all six New England states, with town, season, signature dish, and last-verified date. The working directory of the genre.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinklobsterlobster-shacksmainerhode-islandfield-guidedirectoryseafoodBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/jordan-pond-househttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/jordan-pond-houseThe popovers, the 1893 tea-house tradition, and the lawn-with-Bubbles-view dining that's the most-recommended Acadia activity that doesn't involve hiking.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkjordan-pondpopoversacadiatea-housenational-parkfoodBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lubec-maine-easternmosthttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lubec-maine-easternmostThe easternmost town in the United States, population 1,300, where the sun rises before anywhere else in the lower 48. What's still there, where to stay, and how to get there.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendslubecmainedown-eastlighthousesquoddy-headcampobelloeasternmostBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/christmas-tree-farm-maphttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/christmas-tree-farm-map350 cut-your-own Christmas tree farms across New England, organized by state with species, hours, and pricing. When to go and what to bring.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorechristmas-treescut-your-ownfraser-firbalsamwinterfamily-traditiondirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lobster-ice-creamhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/lobster-ice-creamYes, really. Lobster is high in glutamates and naturally sweet — the same flavor compounds vanilla amplifies. Where to try it, why it works, and the dairy-to-lobster ratio.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinklobsterice-creambar-harbormaineben-and-billsregional-curiosityBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cadillac-mountain-sunrisehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cadillac-mountain-sunriseHow to get a sunrise reservation for Cadillac Mountain. The timed-entry system, the weather window, and where to stand for the best view.Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurecadillac-mountainacadiasunrisetimed-entrynational-parkphotographyBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/irish-food-new-englandhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/irish-food-new-englandNew Hampshire and Massachusetts are the two most Irish-American states in the country. Seven dishes that anchor the Boston Sunday-supper table, what's actually Irish, and where to eat the real version.Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkirish-americanbostonsunday-suppercorned-beefsoda-breadheritage-cookingshepherds-pieBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bass-harbor-head-lighthttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bass-harbor-head-lightThe most-photographed lighthouse in Maine. When to shoot, where to stand, and the tide-and-light window that makes the iconic photo possible.Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsbass-harborlighthouseacadiaphotographysunsetmount-desert-islandBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bar-harbor-where-to-stayhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bar-harbor-where-to-staySeventy hotels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds in Bar Harbor, organized by trip type. In-town walkable, quieter outside-town, and the camping options.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsbar-harborlodginginnsbed-and-breakfastcampingdirectoryBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ipswich-clams-historyhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/ipswich-clams-historyWhy Ipswich clams are genetically the same as any other steamer but taste better. The Great Marsh, the Clam Box, and the FDA loophole that lets every Maine clam get the Ipswich label.Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkipswichclamsfried-clamsgreat-marshclam-boxwoodmansessexBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bar-harbor-lobster-rankinghttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/bar-harbor-lobster-rankingTwelve places that serve lobster in Bar Harbor, ranked by value, freshness, and the experience of eating lobster the way Mainers actually eat it.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkbar-harborlobsterlobster-poundthurstonsstewmansrankingBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/hot-buttered-rum-recipehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/hot-buttered-rum-recipeThe colonial New England winter drink, made the right way. Dark Jamaican rum, real butter, the New Hampshire ski-lodge batter trick, and why store-bought spiced rum is wrong.Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkrumwintercocktaildemeraraski-lodgenew-hampshireheritageBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/asticou-innhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/asticou-innThe 1883 summer hotel that preserves Mount Desert's heritage-lodging tradition. Croquet on the lawn, the central dining room, the Asticou Azalea Garden next door.Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsasticou-innnortheast-harborheritage-lodgingmount-desert-islandsummer-hotelBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/holdovers-filming-locationshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/holdovers-filming-locationsWhere Alexander Payne's prep-school movie was actually filmed: five real New England schools, downtown Worcester, and a Fairhaven diner. A driving guide for fans of the film.Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsthe-holdoversfilming-locationsdeerfield-academyfairhavenworcestermovie-tourismalexander-payneBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-winterhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-winterThe park goes quiet December through March. Cross-country skiing on the carriage roads, snowshoeing, sub-arctic light on the granite.Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureacadiawintercross-country-skiingsnowshoecarriage-roadsoff-seasonBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-schoodic-peninsulahttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-schoodic-peninsulaThe quiet half of Acadia. Thirty minutes east of Bar Harbor, one-tenth the visitors, the same crashing-surf granite headlands.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsacadiaschoodicwinter-harborschoodic-pointnational-parkoff-the-beaten-pathBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/frappe-cabinet-milkshake-vocabularyhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/frappe-cabinet-milkshake-vocabularyOrder a milkshake in Boston and you get milk and syrup. The thing with ice cream in it is a frappe. In Rhode Island it's a cabinet. A working New England vocabulary.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folkloreyankee-vocabularyrhode-islandbostonice-creametymologynewport-creameryregional-dialectBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-precipice-trailhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-precipice-trailNew England's most-famous vertigo hike. Iron rungs, narrow ledges, peregrine falcon closure, and who should not attempt it.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureacadiaprecipice-trailiron-rungschamplain-mountainperegrine-falconexpert-hikeBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cranberry-bog-tour-maphttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cranberry-bog-tour-mapMassachusetts grows a quarter of the U.S. cranberry crop. Six bogs that allow public visits during harvest, the Tihonet Celebration weekend, and where to eat after.Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendscranberryharvestwarehamcarverplymouth-countyocean-spraytihonetBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-park-loop-roadhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-park-loop-roadAll 27 miles of Acadia's main scenic drive, mile by mile. Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond, the Bubbles, Cadillac Summit Road.Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsacadiapark-loop-roaddriving-guidesand-beachthunder-holenational-parkBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cape-cod-rail-trail-field-guidehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cape-cod-rail-trail-field-guideAll 27.5 miles, mile by mile. Parking that's actually findable, where to eat along the route, the spurs worth riding, and the four months of the year locals quietly prefer.Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurecape-codrail-trailcyclingwellfleetbrewsternickersonoutdoorsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-fall-foliagehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-fall-foliageAcadia's two-week peak foliage window runs October 5-18 in a typical year. Where to be, when to photograph, and what's open and closing.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureacadiafall-foliageoctoberjordan-pondcadillac-mountainphotographyBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-carriage-roadshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-carriage-roadsForty-five miles of crushed-stone carriage roads, sixteen Rockefeller-built stone bridges, and a cyclist's field guide to the named loops.Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureacadiacarriage-roadscyclingrockefellerstone-bridgesnational-parkBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cape-ann-lighthouse-tourhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/cape-ann-lighthouse-tourFive working lighthouses inside a 22-mile drive: Eastern Point, Annisquam, Ten Pound Island, Thacher Island Twin Lights, and Straitsmouth. A one-day Cape Ann driving guide.Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendslighthousesgloucesterrockportcape-annthacher-islandannisquameastern-pointBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-beehive-trailhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-beehive-trailIron rungs on exposed granite, 1.4-mile loop, 450-foot vertical climb. The most-attempted scary hike in New England — what to know before you go.Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventureacadiabeehive-trailiron-rungshikingexposuresafetyBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/broiled-haddock-cape-annhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/broiled-haddock-cape-annGloucester's broiled-haddock technique: butter, Ritz crackers, sherry, paprika, six minutes under the broiler. Why Cape Ann is right and the rest of New England is wrong.Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkhaddockfishgloucesterrockportcape-annritz-crackersbroiledBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-steak-tip-historyhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-steak-tip-historyHow a cheap cut became a New England standard. The Italian-marinade canon, rice-pilaf-and-blue-cheese serving rule, and the bars that have served them the same way since 1985.Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinksteak-tipsbostonbar-fooditalian-marinaderice-pilafneighborhood-barsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/best-places-to-live-mainehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/best-places-to-live-maineA real Maine relocation map: ten-town shortlist with the data most rankings ignore — heating-cost differential, school reading scores and enrollment trends, and the quiet-Tuesday-in-February test.Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsmainemovingreal-estateportlandbrunswicksmall-townscost-of-livingBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/art-of-saunteringhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/art-of-saunteringThoreau coined the word for a reason. The four conditions for a real saunter, the six New England routes that work, and why a phone breaks the practice.Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorewalkingthoreautranscendentalismconcordliterarymary-olivermindfulnessBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-blueberry-muffinshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-blueberry-muffinsMaine grows a quarter of the country's blueberries. Here's the muffin recipe that does them justice — fresh berries, a hot oven, and a pat of butter melting into the split top.Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkmaineblueberriesmuffinsbreakfastdown-eastBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-apple-crisphttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-apple-crispA crispier take on the classic — more oats, more brown sugar, less cake. Finish with real New England maple syrup if you want a smooth maple note on top.Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkapple-crispdessertmaple-syrupfall-bakingnew-englandBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/corned-beef-and-cabbagehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/corned-beef-and-cabbageThe St. Patrick's Day dinner that anchors the New England table in March: corned beef simmered low, then carrots, potatoes, rutabaga, and cabbage finished in the same pot.Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkcorned-beefcabbagest-patricks-dayirish-americanone-potBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/joe-froggershttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/joe-froggersA molasses-and-rum cookie from Marblehead, designed to last weeks at sea. The recipe is family. The history is real. Most modern versions get the rum wrong.Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTHeritage & Folklorecookiesmolassesmarbleheadheritage-recipescolonial-new-englandBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/yankee-season-salthttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/yankee-season-saltI put Lawry's Seasoned Salt on poultry, beef, and my breakfast eggs. Here's the homemade version I worked up that gets close to the real thing.Thu, 12 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkseasoningpantryspice-blendrecipeBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-barbecuehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-barbecueNew England barbecue should be its own thing. Here's the case for it, broken down by wood, protein, and rub — local hardwoods, local meat, molasses and maple in the mix.Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkbarbecuenew-englandsmoking-woodlocal-butchermolassesBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/three-amazing-new-hampshire-resortshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/three-amazing-new-hampshire-resortsFrom Bretton Woods to New Castle, three of New Hampshire's surviving grand hotels — what makes each one worth a weekend, told by someone who's stayed.Thu, 16 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendsnew-hampshiregrand-hotelswhite-mountainswentworthbretton-woodsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-striper-rollshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-striper-rollsA striper roll, done the way it should be: poached fillets, a little mayo, a New England split-top bun. The honest cousin of the lobster roll.Sun, 22 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkstriperlobster-rollrecipesnew-englandfishingBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-striper-fishinghttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-striper-fishingStriped bass run the New England coast from May through October. Where to find them, what they eat, and how to rig for them — from the surf and from a boat.Sat, 21 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTOutdoors & Adventurestriped-basssaltwater-fishingsurfcastingnew-england-coastBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-brown-breadhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-brown-breadA steamed colonial loaf of rye, cornmeal, and molasses — the bread the Pilgrims learned to make when wheat was scarce and ovens were a fireplace hearth.Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkbostonbrown-breadmolassescolonialnew-england-recipesBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-sunrise-juicer-recipehttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/acadia-sunrise-juicer-recipeA simple morning juice named for Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, the first place in the U.S. to catch the sunrise. Three ingredients, one minute, no fuss.Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkacadiajuicer-recipesmainebreakfastcarrot-orange-gingerBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-clam-frittershttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-clam-frittersA simple Yankee recipe that puts the clams at the forefront — crisp fritter crust, soft center, no shortcuts. Fries up in under three minutes a batch.Sun, 15 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkclam-frittersclamsnew-england-recipesfried-seafoodshellfishBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/american-bench-craft-leather-goodshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/american-bench-craft-leather-goodsJason and Chris Angelini's Massachusetts leather shop builds wallets from a single piece of hide, riveted instead of stitched. I've carried one for years.Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTYankee-Madeamerican-bench-craftyankee-madeleatherwalletsmassachusettsBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/walt-disney-world-workationhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/walt-disney-world-workationIf you're spending a week at Disney with the family anyway, you might as well get some real work done. Here's how my wife and I made it work, from the resort pick to the wifi.Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMTTravel & Weekendswalt-disney-worldworkationport-orleansfamily-travelremote-workBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/grilled-cheese-donutshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/grilled-cheese-donutsA fried crescent-dough donut stuffed with American cheese, brushed with honey mustard, and topped with chopped bacon. Two childhood foods, one pan.Sat, 21 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkdonutsgrilled-cheesebaconhoney-mustardsnacksBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-baked-beanshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/boston-baked-beansBoston didn't earn the name Bean Town for nothing. The history behind the pot, plus my recipe for navy beans, salt pork, and molasses baked low and slow.Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkboston-baked-beansmolassesnew-england-recipessalt-porkbostonBill Raymondhttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-baked-bay-scallopshttps://themodernyankee.com/posts/new-england-baked-bay-scallopsA simple New England baked bay scallops recipe — sweet bay scallops under a buttery cracker-and-Parmesan crust, finished in a cast iron skillet and served straight from the pan.Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMTFood & Drinkbay-scallopsseafoodcast-ironnew-england-recipesBill Raymond