🏖️😎 Cousins Beach DUPE!

👀 What’s on tap today:

Up first…

We all want the Cape to feel like Cousins Beach. But after sitting in the Sagamore parking lot one too many times, we mostly feel like Belly after Jeremiah cheated on her. 

So we asked our fave travel writers for their Cape dupes that won’t leave you raging in traffic. And might even be … better? *gasps*

Here’s what they said:

🏄 Narragansett is a surf lover’s (or beginner’s) dream. Yes, surfing! While New Englanders rep more Vineyard Vines than Billabong, Globe travel writer Christopher Muther said this Rhode Island town is one of the rare places where you can rip some waves. “Its location is unique because the sandy, mile-long beach is in the center of town,” he said, “which means you can park, swim, surf, and then stroll to browse the shops (try the Pier Marketplace), or grab a bite to eat.” 

⛵ If you want bougie on a budget, Newport is the spot. Boston.com travel writer Kristi Palma stands by a Newport, R.I. vacation, from its swanky Gilded Age mansions to the iconic Cliff Walk along the coast. Kristi’s must-sees? The art galleries on Bowen’s Wharf and the live music at Fort Adams State Park. Plus, Newport boasts some of the best restaurants in the region, and antique shops and boutiques that are perfect for shmying. (P.S. If you want more from Kristi, check out her Scenic Six newsletter.)

✨ Can’t decide between beach and small-town charm? Ogunquit’s your girl. Fun fact: Boston.com readers just named this Maine spot *the best* New England beach town, beating out MV and Nantucket! While we could spend all day lookin’ at this view from Marginal Way, Kristi’s ideal itinerary looks something like this: “Soak up the sun at Ogunquit Beach, hit up the shops in Perkins Cove, savor a lobster along the waterfront, and belt out a song at The Front Porch piano bar.” 

🦪 If oysters are your cure, Damariscotta shucks a mean one. Yankee magazine travel editor Kim Knox Beckius swears the oysters alone make this Maine town worth the drive. (Pro tip: Order the "Taste the River" plate at the Shuck Station.) When you’re done slurping, you’ll want to check out the “affordable book hauls at Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop, clothing deals at Renys,” then end your night at Round Top for farm-fresh lavender ice cream, Kim said.

🍷 Beach + wine + coastal village vibes = a perfect Greenport getaway. We know, we know, it’s ~NeW yOrK~. But Emily thinks this Long Island gem > the Cape in every category. See: its adorable (and walkable!) downtown; fab restaurants like Brix & Rye for unique cocktails and killer pizza; beaches that don’t numb every extremity; farmstands oozing with local produce; access to Long Island wine country (Rose Hill Vineyard is a *showstopper*), AND … you can get there via Amtrak + a scenic ferry ride — no Cape traffic required. BOOM.

☀️ Need more easy summer trip ideas? Check out this Globe guide for the car-free and the carefree.

​​🌅🎶 Most picnics don't come with a live soundtrack from one of the world's great orchestras. At Tanglewood, they do. Spend a summer evening stretched out on the Lawn, or grab a seat inside the Shed for performances from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Cynthia Erivo, Brandi Carlile, Alabama Shakes, and more. It’s part concert, part picnic, part Berkshires getaway — and entirely worth the trip.

😅 “I gotta GTFO of here.” — probably half of Mass. voters. At least that’s according to this new Suffolk/Globe poll that asked 500 registered voters their thoughts on several issues ahead of election season. 26% said they’ve “seriously considered” leaving Mass.; 28% have thought about it every now and then, with most blaming (take a guess) the cost of living or taxes. Another interesting tidbit: Over 50% of voters said they can’t name a win Gov. Maura Healey has made in her first term. But based on this poll, it probably doesn’t matter … 

😭 Cambridge is proposing an unhappy hour … The city’s License Commission is looking to limit booze sales within an hour of closing. The target? Late-night shots, bottles, and pitchers. It would also enforce a minimum of at least 30 minutes between each round of drinks. LAME! What’s the game plan? They’re still in the feedback and refine phase, so nothing is even close to being greenlit yet. But still … cheers your drinks now while extended hours and outdoor drinking is still in effect. 

🚽 Here’s where to go when you, well, … gotta go. Boston just dropped its new-and-improved public bathroom map ahead of the World Cup, and it’s actually super helpful for (not just for the Scots at The Dubliner). BPL’s might be the obvious choice, but other handy options include firehouses (open 24/7), the state house, the Boston Harbor Hotel, community centers, and even some restaurants (no purchase required). And what about water fountains and lactation rooms? The map has got you, too.

🍺 The Tartan Army is making St. Paddy’s Day look like light work. First, they drained the in-flight beer supply. Now, they’re emptying the city’s bars and liquor stores. What’s in low stock? From the looks of it, everything — beers, seltzers, lagers, the works. Hennessy’s COO even said that they’ve *tripled* the amount of beer they sold on St. Patty’s Day. And a refrigerator at Federal Wine & Spirits went kaput from the front door constantly opening. But according to some bar owners, the vibes have been 100% worth it. 

Below are some of the hottest local things to do. This month, B-Side Members can save more than $100 across our events, plus more monthly deals!

🧘 June 17: Summer Wellness Series feat. EMBODI. Try a contemporary Pilates class with us at EMBODI in Somerville. Stick around after for a free ice cream cone from Gracie’s! B-Side members get 50% off. Reserve here. 

🎸 June 18: CX Summer Nights, FREE. Head to the Common at Cambridge Crossing at 5:30 p.m. for a free outdoor concert with live music from local artists. Expect Jill McCracken + The Far Out, plus food trucks, drinks, and much more. Check it out here!

🌶️ July 10-12: Boston JerkFest. Boston JerkFest is back this year at Ohiri Field in Allston for three days of Caribbean cuisine, soca music, local vendors, and good vibes. B-Side Members save $5 on Friday and Saturday tickets, and don’t miss the free soccer fest on Sunday!

👀 Want to feature your upcoming event above? Click here.

Wake up, babe. The Tartan Army Show is on. They’ve brought their kilts, their bagpipes, their vocals, and now … their pranks. 

See: Statues of George Washington and Bill Russell wearing orange traffic cones on their heads. Yep, you can thank the Scottish soccer fans for that. 

This trend started in the ‘80s back in Glasgow where Scots put cones on top of the Duke of Wellington statue, at first as an act of mischief. City officials first saw it as vandalism and removed it, but naturally, the people kept putting the cone back on the Duke’s head. Again. And again. 

Now, the cone-ing tradition is embraced as a quirky, quintessential part of Scottish culture. And a symbol not to take things too seriously ;)

— Written by Kelly Chan and Emily Schario

😭 Thanks for reading! Hopefully, Boston will keep them there as a reminder when they leave …

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for supporting local journalism and bringing unforgettable musical experiences to our community.

🧁 The results are in: 83% of you don’t get the dot cake hype… (We don’t blame you.) One of you wrote: ““Overhyped, but in the words of Marie Antoinette, let them eat cake!” Preach!

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