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Labor Day in Boston 2011
From the archives: August 29, 2011
Labor Day is the one last hurrah before summer's end, an excuse to throw a party and ignore the demise of warm weather and disappearance of short sleeves. Observe your civic duty and celebrate Labor Day (Sept. 5, 2011) in style. Here are the best ways to spend Labor Day weekend in Boston, whether you decide to go wild in town or escape for a short getaway. (Photo: Mess of Potage on Flickr)
On this page: Labor Day in Boston: Getaways, Labor Day in Boston: Cookouts and Picnics.
Report AbuseLabor Day in Boston: Getaways
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Adrian's Restaurant
Write a Review535 Rte 6, North Truro, MA 02652 (map)
The cape is synonymous with summer in Massachusetts. While you can always go with the reliable clam shacks, we recommend that this year, you hit up a place with a limited lifespan. Find Will Gilson (late of the Garden at the Cellar) through the fall at his pop-up restaurant, Eat at Adrian's in Truro. Choose from mouthwatering dishes such as bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with hazelnuts and goat cheese and fun drinks such as the Newcastle Crossing with Pimm's, watermelon and lime.
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Verrill Farm
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11 Wheeler Rd, Concord, MA 01742 (map)
For those who want to get out of the city but don't want to venture too far, there is Verrill Farm, located in idyllic Concord, a half-hour from Boston. There is fruit to be picked, and the farm store offers delectable homemade salads, entrees and desserts, as well as dozens of Massachusetts-made products. Take your picnic a few minutes away to Minuteman State Park and have a history-rich Labor Day.
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Crane Beach
Read ReviewsArgilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938 (map)
Yes, Crane Beach gets crowded on weekends and holidays, but there's a reason for that. It is stunning. With miles of pristine beach, trails, boardwalks, sand dune and salt marsh, the beach offers something for everyone. If you want a break from the sun, grab a map and explore the trails that run along the Ipswich Bay and the Essex River Estuary. Allow for a stop at Russell Orchards afterward. There's berries, along with homemade treats and delicious ice cream.
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Captain Dusty's Ice Cream
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60 Beach St, Manchester, MA 01944 (map)
Ice cream just tastes better when it comes from a shack near the beach. Captain Dusty's, located a half mile down the road from Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, is as charming as they come. The shop sells fresh, homemade ice cream in flavors such as Mississippi mud, butter crunch and frozen pudding. While we're partial to the pure, unadulterated ice cream, the signature Flavor Burst, soft-serve swirled with one of a half-dozen syrups, is worth a go.
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Duck Fat
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43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101 (map)
If you're up for a two-hour drive, there's no better destination than Portland, Maine, and once there you must stop at Duckfat for dinner. The charming establishment is known for its Belgian style fries fried in duck fat, of course. These are some good fries: crisp on the outside, piping hot and creamy on the inside. Dipping sauces cost extra, but the truffle ketchup is more than worth it. If you can, save room for one of Duckfat's milkshakes, made with locally made gelato. We recommend the Duckfat Original Shake.
Labor Day in Boston: Cookouts and Picnics
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The Meat House
Read Reviews1285 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 (map)
It's one thing to grill for your guests. It's quite another to fire up meats from the Meat House. This relatively new addition to Coolidge Corner will grind any combination of meats. Beef and lamb? Sure! Spicy sausage and turkey? Go for it. It's a one-stop shop for a cookout--find breads, crackers, chips, salsas, dips, desserts, and more.
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Formaggio Kitchen Inc
Read Reviews244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)
Those who want to enjoy a nice outdoor meal without slaving over a grill should head to Formaggio. The gourmet store has all the supplies for a most perfect picnic. Choose from gourmet sandwiches and salads, or go the do-it-yourself approach with a few of the shop's hundreds of cheeses and cured meats. Don't forget crackers or a baguette and maybe some jam and fresh fruit--the possibilities are endless. Grab yourself a blanket and a basket and you've assembled a picnic right out of a magazine.