# New England Area 'fest **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 19, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280 "2008-02-19T18:33:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/1 "2008-02-19T18:33:10Z")
I will be visiting a friend in Danvers, Massachussetts the last full week in March and she, her fiancee, and I are planning on doing a road trip of New England since I’ve never been east of New York and wish to mark each state off my list of states visited. We’re going to be all over the region and was wondering if there might be any interest in a fest at some point. Maybe that Saturday? It doesn’t necessarily have to be in Boston, though we will be there at some point to visit the science museum, Boston Harbor, and some sort of restaraunt that she adores. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/2 "2008-02-19T18:48:24Z")
We’re already planning one for mid April, so that’s going to be two right in a row. Hey, I’m up for it. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/3 "2008-02-19T19:08:51Z")
How would you feel about getting together in the North Shore area? There are some good restaurants in the area that don’t require the insane parking of Boston. Heck, there are some good restaurants in Salem (which you can reach via Boston public transit, if need be). ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/4 "2008-02-19T20:12:46Z")
I’m up for anything, personally, and assume she would be as well. Are there any restaurants in the area that are particularly good? Pubs? How’s the beer in New England? ---
**Author:** ![mmouse9799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mmouse9799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mmouse9799)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/5 "2008-02-19T20:24:11Z")
[QUOTE=Aesiron] I’m up for anything, personally, and assume she would be as well. Are there any restaurants in the area that are particularly good? Pubs? How’s the beer in New England? [/QUOTE] The Boston area is pretty famous for its Irish pubs. If it’s beer for which you’re looking, I’d suggest “Sunset Bar & Grill” in Alston (part of Boston) which boasts a beer menu with over 400 different beers. It has great food as well. I didn’t find Salem that great for food. Though it’s godd if you’re into new agey stuff. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2008, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/6 "2008-02-19T20:29:53Z")
Salem has the Salem Beer Works that brews its own: [http://www.beerworks.net/html/locations\_salem.html](http://www.beerworks.net/html/locations_salem.html) We ate there a week ago, and it’s not bad. ---
**Author:** ![bbs2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/7 "2008-02-20T03:12:41Z")
I checked my calendar, and I’m free for March 29th. Danvers eh? That’s by Rt.1, which has no shortage of fine dining. Kowloon’s (Chinese) and Hilltop (steak house). Although Cal’s choice is a good one, and I’ve never been. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/8 "2008-02-20T03:28:41Z")
There’s good food everywhere in Boston. Just pick the cuisine and BAM! ---
**Author:** ![bbs2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/9 "2008-02-20T03:32:11Z")
[QUOTE=Autolycus] There’s good food everywhere in Boston. Just pick the cuisine and BAM! [/QUOTE] You’re thinking of Fall River. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/10 "2008-02-20T06:30:21Z")
Like I said, I’m not particularly picky. I know there’s a rather large Portuguese population in, I think, Rhode Island. Is that well represented in Boston as well? That’s a cuisine I’d be interested in trying though I’m perfectly content with just pub food so long as they have wheat beer. I love hefeweizens. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/11 "2008-02-20T15:39:36Z")
[QUOTE=Aesiron] I know there’s a rather large Portuguese population in, I think, Rhode Island. Is that well represented in Boston as well? [/QUOTE] That’s more a South Shore thing. I’m good with somewhere outside of the city if someone can give me a ride. ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/12 "2008-02-20T15:42:18Z")
I’d be interested as well. I haven’t been to the Hilltop or Kowloon since I was little. ---
**Author:** ![bbs2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/13 "2008-02-20T15:58:16Z")
[QUOTE=tdn] That’s more a South Shore thing. I’m good with somewhere outside of the city if someone can give me a ride. [/QUOTE] I’m rather sure I can give you a ride, assuming you don’t mind my boring taste in music or fascination with the characters on talk radio. Now if this includes John too, then that means cleaning out my back seat. I will torture you both with DMX or Bloodhound Gang the whole ride. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/14 "2008-02-20T15:59:53Z")
That would be awesome, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Plynck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Plynck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plynck)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/15 "2008-02-20T17:46:43Z")
[QUOTE=Aesiron] Like I said, I’m not particularly picky. I know there’s a rather large Portuguese population in, I think, Rhode Island. Is that well represented in Boston as well? [/QUOTE] Absolutely. There is a strong Portuguese population in the Cambridge/Somerville area, although the Brazilian population is getting quite strong there as well. If in the area, consider Atasca, Casa Portugal, O Cantinho, Muqueca, or Portugalia. ---
**Author:** ![LilyoftheValley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/16 "2008-02-20T17:59:38Z")
[QUOTE=bbs2k] You’re thinking of Fall River. [/QUOTE] Okay, this made me laugh. ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/17 "2008-02-20T21:08:05Z")
Can we settle on a date, as that might make picking a place easier. Friday or Saturday is best, anything but Wednesday could be accommodated. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/18 "2008-02-20T21:16:21Z")
Saturday, March 29th. ---
**Author:** ![Ignatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/3be4f8/32.png) [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/19 "2008-02-20T23:49:45Z")
[QUOTE=CalMeacham] Salem has the Salem Beer Works that brews its own: [http://www.beerworks.net/html/locations\_salem.html](http://www.beerworks.net/html/locations_salem.html) We ate there a week ago, and it’s not bad. [/QUOTE] Too bad about Maddie’s closing. Ever eat/drink there, Cal? ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2008, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280/20 "2008-02-21T02:25:01Z")
[QUOTE=bbs2k] I’m rather sure I can give you a ride, assuming you don’t mind my boring taste in music or fascination with the characters on talk radio. Now if this includes John too, then that means cleaning out my back seat. I will torture you both with DMX or Bloodhound Gang the whole ride. [/QUOTE] I accept your offer 😃 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-england-area-fest/438280.md?page=2)