Moving to a new town can mean big changes – a new home, a new job, new friends. When deciding where to put down roots, it may be helpful to know what’s around – where to go to eat, shop, hang out and enjoy yourself.
Like in any area of the country, too much of the same can get old real fast. Here’s a compilation of some of the best of what’s around, so mix it up next time you’re out and about! Don’t forget to check out Raveis.com and plan your purchase or rental around some of these hotspots!New York
Restaurants
Tarry Lodge – Port Chester
This Italian eatery designed by famed chef Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich presents pizza and other Italian creations in an elegant and delicious way.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Midtown, NYC
With 1950’s décor and singing wait staff, a trip to this New York City diner is a fun experience day or night.
Tin Pan Galley – Sackets Harbor
Open from morning until night, reviewers on Urbanspoon say this place consistently has the best breakfast around.
Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q – Oneonta
This barbecue pit stop has its own line of seasonings and rubs that you can even order and have shipped to your house.
Shopping
Woodbury Commons – Central Valley
You may need a map to meander through this large outlet mall, but the variety of stores makes it worth the trip. Anywhere in New York City
Music Venues & Nightlife
New York City is a mecca for musicians. Whether they’ve made it or are trying to make it, there’s a venue for all artists on their journey. Venues include Madison Square Garden, The Bowery Ballroom and Radio City Music Hall, among many, many others. Aside from the seemingly infinite clubs and bars in New York City, popular spots for going out at night include New Roc City in the Westchester County town of New Rochelle – movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants – as well as the city of White Plains, with rows of bars and nightclubs.
Connecticut
Restaurants
Bar – New Haven
This hotspot has an industrial vibe with pool tables in the bar area, a nightclub in the back and a large seating area to accommodate the scores of patrons lining up each night. They also brew their own beer on the premises. Try the mashed potatoes and bacon pizza, and don’t miss the salad with candied walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese.
The Black Duck Café – Westport
Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this former sea-going refrigeration and ice storage barge built around 1840 has a mix of surf and turf, and hearty and lighter fare. The Brie burger – beef patty stuffed with the cheese – looks dynamite!
Ted’s Restaurant – Meriden
This hole-in-the-wall staple has been serving steamed cheeseburgers from its grills since 1959. It’s a must for hungry people craving something different.
Pepe’s Pizza – Fairfield, New Haven, Uncasville, Manchester, Danbury
Now with several locations, this pizzeria is known for its thin crust and coal-fired approach. The signature white clam pizza and the tomato pie are must-haves!
Shopping
Greenwich Avenue – Greenwich
With stores like Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Richards and other upscale boutiques, this area attracts many looking for a bit of Rodeo Drive on the East Coast.
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets – Clinton
This outlet mall is outdoors and has a variety of stores, with the feel of walking through a small village.
Downtown Westport
Main Street is the main drag with stores such as J.Crew, Ann Taylor and Nike, mixed with smaller boutiques. The tree-lined shopping district along the river
Music Venues & Nightlife
Sandwiched between Boston and New York City, Connecticut has its own music scene that reaches its audience at venues such as New Haven’s Toad’s Place, Hartford’s Webster Theater, Hamden’s The Space, as well as at the casinos – Mohegan Sun in Uncasville and Foxwoods in Mashantucket. Bars are hopping on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in many towns and cities throughout Connecticut, specifically in Downtown Stamford, South Norwalk, Downtown New Haven and Milford.
Massachusetts
Restaurants
Scarlet Oak Tavern – Hingham
Mixing casual and elegant, a patron can grab a burger at the bar, bring their family in for Sunday brunch or dine from the raw bar menu at dinner.
Kate’s Seafood – Brewster
A fabulous roadside stand by the Cape Cod Bay, Kate’s is a place at which you can order fried foods and dine at the picnic tables, or choose from their many flavors of fabulous homemade ice cream. I recommend the Milky Way!
Land Ho! – Orleans
A local favorite, this nautical-themed pub is always packed with customers eating the fried seafood specials or traditional sandwiches, among other menu items. A jukebox allows anyone to fill the restaurant with music while they eat.
Shopping
Newbury Street – Boston
This city street is full of high fashion and small boutique
Marshfield Hills General Store – Marshfield Hills
Owned by actor Steve Carell and his wife, this restored, historic place sells toys, gifts, jewelry and more. It is a true “general” store.
Cape Cod galleries
Art galleries on Cape Cod are like New England and clam chowder. With the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay, artists produce some of the best nautical and beach-themed artwork around, perfect for a beach house.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Boston
Contemporary stores bring life to this historic landscape.
Music Venues & Nightlife
From large to small, Massachusetts is full of venues for seeing today’s best music, as well as old favorites. The South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset and its sister venue, The Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis are summertime spaces providing a “relaxed ambiance and intimate theatre experience.” Venues such as the House of Blues and TD Garden in Boston welcome musicians year-round. Bars and clubs at Faneuil Hall in Boston, as well as others around the city make this historic town come alive.
New Hampshire
Restaurants
Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery – North Woodstock
This hotspot located in the White Mountains is a combination hotel, restaurant and live entertainment venue, and brewpub, where patrons can watch workers make the beer they drink.
Libby’s Bistro and Saalt Pub – Gorham
Since 1997, Chef Liz Jackson has been serving up “seasonal, locally sourced, funky fine dining,” according to its website. The farm to table approach allows the establishment to work with local farmers that specialize in sustainable agriculture, organic farming and naturally raised livestock.
The Common Man – many locations
This local chain has been named to many “best” lists throughout the years. With locations in many historic buildings, this longtime favorite is very New England, with menu items like Lobster Sliders and Portsmouth Pie – a seafood extravaganza.
Shopping
New Hampshire shopping is all about the outlets. Combined with a sales tax-free economy, the state is a haven for shopaholics. Whether it’s the Merrimack Premium Outlets or Settlers’ Crossing, one is sure to find what he or she is looking for, no matter if its for the outdoors of New England or for the fashionista looking for a deal on a top designer’s dress.
Music Venues & Nightlife
Musical acts such as Joss Stone, Bret Michaels and Huey Lewis and the News are soon to play at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, and other acts make stops at the Verizon Wireless Arena. When it comes to hitting the town, Arena Sports Bar & Nightclub is sure to be a hot spot when it opens this month.
Rhode Island
Restaurants
The Duck & Bunny – Providence
Tagged as a “snuggery,” a cozy and comfortable place, this unique space has an eclectic menu and an outdoor lounge.
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant – Newport
Offering steaks, seafood and pasta, this 30+ year-old establishment also has a wine list of more than 250 different vintages.
Persimmon – Bristol
The culinary vision of this small bistro comes through each night in different ways, as chef/owner Champe Speidel whips up his creations.
Shopping
Newport’s shopping is an attraction for many tourists looking for clothing, jewelry, antiques and gifts. The different sections of town offer a variety of options, from glassware to linens to ceramics. The Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is a collaborative community of businesses and residences of people from woodworkers to jewelry makers.
Music Venues & Nightlife
The Salon in Providence is a community bar with an underground nightclub. If you’re looking for a larger concert venue, Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, also in Providence, may be the ticket. Offering a space for big bands, this venue is in its third location since first opening in 1975. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center is another venue attracting big named artists such as Carrie Underwood and Wiz Khalifa.
November 25th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
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