Food Nerd Day Trips From Boston

One of the most unique parts of the Northeast, and Boston in particular, is the ability to skip from one state to another within a matter of hours. For that reason, our list of super fun day trips include not just Massachusetts but also Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Start your engines... 

Nantucket, Mass.

The ferry from Hyannis in Cape Cod takes you to Nantucket, an island that needs no introduction. But a food nerd (or hops head, as it may be) might want to take note: Cisco Brewers makes a special beer, among other notable microbrews, for Oleana Restaurant called Oleana 3-C Ale. They also host bluegrass nights and other music events. (Photo courtesy of flickr/heardsy)

Hopkinton, N.H.

Day-trippers will have to wait until May when the Beech Hill Farm and Ice Cream Barn re-opens on May 1, so for now you'll have to be content surmising what seasonal ice cream flavors Beech Hill will have; what kind of fresh produce they will be selling at the farmstand; and which freshly baked goods will be available at the on-site bakery.

Berkshires, Mass.

Go for the gorgeous mountain-scapes, but the lactose-intolerant be warned. Culinary Institute of America grad turned award-winning chocolatier heads up the Chocolate Springs Café in Lenox, where truffles and hand-crafted chocolates are sold as well as cakes, mousses and ice cream. Then there's Rubiner's Cheesemongers, which has put Great Barrington on the cuilnary goods map. (Photo courtesy of flickr/essygie)

Cabbage Island and Wiscasset, Maine

This is where to get a real taste of New England. From Boothbay Harbor, a ferry drops you on Cabbage Island for a Nor'east clam bake, done the traditional way — steamed in seaweed underground. On the way, stop in at Red's in Wiscasset for one of the best lobster rolls to be had.

Providence, R.I.

Providence has its own rich culinary history (and its own special accent) informed by both Italian and Portuguese immigrants. The city has upped its cuteness quotient in recent times and has a burgeoning dining scene, the most celebrated restaurant being Al Forno, #65 on our 101 Best Restaurants list.

Breeze through the Gilded Age mansions with an imaginary Champagne coupe in hand. Where to go to celebrate the high life? Our picks for great Newport dining: Mamma Luisa, The Clarke Cooke House, and Tallulah on Thames. (Photo courtesy of flickr/kables)