Scenic Six
We’re sharing everything you need to know about the monthlong celebration. Plus, more New England fall festivals.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
The historic city of Salem is bracing once again for more than one million visitors during its monthlong Haunted Happenings festival, which kicks off on Thursday. I’ve got all the information you need for planning a day trip to Witch City this year.
I’m also sharing details about Delta’s newest nonstop service between Boston and Europe, the end of an era for a longtime Cape Cod seafood restaurant, the return of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Maine, and more.
All you need to know about Salem’s Haunted Happenings in October
Salem’s annual Haunted Happenings festival, billed as one of the largest celebrations of Halloween in the world, begins Thursday and here is everything you need to know for the 2026 season, including how the city is marking its 400th anniversary. Visiting Salem during October is a blast, but I recommend going with a plan. Book as much as you can in advance and take public transportation, especially since the city is offering fewer parking lots and no shuttle service this year.
Delta just announced new nonstop service between Boston and Venice, Italy
My husband pulled off the surprise of my life when I turned 30. He picked me up at work in a cab, saying he was taking me to lunch, and the cab instead dropped us at Logan Airport where I boarded a flight to Europe. Our destination: Venice. A friend had secretly packed my suitcase (yes, I had to buy some clothes but I certainly didn’t mind!). The trip was wonderful but we didn’t fly direct. Delta just announced new nonstop service between Boston and Venice, beginning in May. I love having more flying options since we are planning to return with our kids next summer.
Longtime Cape Cod restaurant owner says goodbye after 50 years
Nathan “Nick” Nickerson, who’s been feeding Cape Cod residents and visitors for 50 years at Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham, recently announced he’s selling the business. “Thank you for 50 unforgettable years,” he wrote in his Facebook post. Check out his full announcement and how patrons are reacting.
Travel tips
- The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Damariscotta, Maine returns Oct. 9-12, featuring a pumpkin parade, Pumpkin Derby, downtown display of giant decorated pumpkins, pumpkin pie eating contests, and, of course, the Pumpkinboat Regatta.
- Fright Fest, the annual Halloween celebration that includes haunted attractions, scare zones, and live entertainment, is back at Six Flags New England in Agawam and runs through Nov. 1.
Deals and steals
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- National Coffee Day is Sept. 29 and coffee lovers can snag a $1 coffee at George Howell Coffee locations as well as 25% off a second bag of coffee by using the code COFFEEDAY26GHC. Also, Dunkin’ reward members can get a free coffee at Dunkin’ when making a purchase through the Dunkin’ app.
- Enjoy the fall season in Vermont with a discounted stay at Tillerman Inn & Restaurant in Bristol. Get 20% off October stays by using the code lastcall. Or enjoy a November stay & dine getaway, which includes 20% off the room rate and a $75 dining credit when staying two or more nights midweek. The November discount is automatically applied during checkout.
Looking to explore the city this month? Here are 10 free things to do in Boston in October.
I’ll leave you with this photo of Boston Common I took on Saturday while doing a college tour with my daughter.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
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