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Passions and Places

A travel + outdoors blog

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50 Inspiring & Funny Quotes about Vermont

September 24, 2021 By Jen Ambrose 2 Comments

Landscape of tree-covered rock in front of rolling hills.

Let these quotes, sayings, and jokes about Vermont remind you of the magic of this small but mighty state.

Filed Under: North America, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: New England, quotes

Spend Summer Outside: The Best Hiking Near Boston

July 1, 2017 By Ryan Victor 4 Comments

To make the most of the Fourth of July in New England (or any summer weekend), head outside! Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont all have some great hikes for various levels. These five trails are some of the best hiking near Boston, including the Mt. Washington hike and other trails in the White Mountains.

The Boston Pops, a huge fireworks show, and all that history make Boston one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July. But to get the most out of the holiday weekend in New England, consider spending part of it outdoors. Here’s five of the area’s best hikes to get you started.

Filed Under: Hiking, Maine, Massachusetts, Nature and Outdoors, New Hampshire, North America, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Boston, New England

5 Great New England Bike Trails (That Are Flat!)

December 19, 2016 By Ryan Victor 1 Comment

If you’re planning to travel to New England and you love the outdoors, you won’t want to miss the region’s best rail trails. They’re perfect cycling, walking, and running paths, and most have some history, too. Try one of our top bike rides in New England, and explore Boston, Cape Cod, Lake Champlain, and more.

New England is a haven of outdoors activities, and some of its most impressive options are the bike trails that have popped up to replace old railroad tracks. Here are our favorite rail trails for cycling throughout New England, and most can even be reached by public transportation from Boston.

Filed Under: Cycling, Maine, Massachusetts, Nature and Outdoors, North America, Rhode Island, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Boston, Burlington, New England

Touring the Local Businesses of Vermont

December 10, 2016 By Jen Ambrose 6 Comments

Vermont is known for its locavore movement and commitment to sustainability. The state has a vibrant local business scene, and many of its companies offer public tours. Visit a company like Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Creamery, or Snow Farm Vineyard next time you travel to Vermont.

The commitment to sustainability and local production runs deep in Vermont, especially at the state’s small businesses. Witness it for yourself by visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, the Cabot Creamery, or one of the many other Vermont businesses that make themselves open to the public.

Filed Under: Foodie Travel, North America, Road Trips, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Burlington, New England, small businesses

Good Eats in a Crunchy Town: A Restaurant Guide to Burlington, Vermont

December 5, 2016 By Ryan Victor 22 Comments

Burlington, Vermont, is a hippie little college town and a foodie hotspot. With lots of vegetarian and vegan options, mostly local food and ingredients, and great coffee and beer, it won’t disappoint. Whether you travel to Burlington to go leaf-peeping, visit UVM, or run the Vermont City Marathon, make time to try one of these top restaurants and cafes.

Burlington is one of our favorite towns, in no small part because of its local food movement and great dining scene. Visit one of these restaurants or cafes to get the town’s best eats.

Filed Under: Foodie Travel, North America, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: Burlington, New England, restaurants

3 Amazing Spots for Sea Kayaking in New England

December 1, 2016 By Ryan Victor 16 Comments

If you’re planning to travel to New England and you love to kayak, try one of these day trips: the Casco Bay Islands in Maine, Portsmouth Harbor in New Hampshire, or the Thimble Islands in Connecticut. Sea kayaking in New England means scenery, lighthouses, and even urban exploration - just mind the currents!

Fortunately for an avid paddler like Ryan, New England has plenty of great options for kayaking. Here are three of his favorite spots, plus tips for planning your own trips.

Filed Under: Connecticut, Kayaking, Maine, Nature and Outdoors, New Hampshire, North America, Off the Beaten Path, U.S. Tagged With: New England

A Guide to the Best Yoga Studios in Boston

November 22, 2016 By Jen Ambrose 28 Comments

Boston is a city that’s conscious about health, wellness, and fitness, and there’s a yoga studio in nearly every neighborhood. Here’s our list of the best yoga studios in the Boston area (including options in the North End, Back Bay, Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, and Brighton), with classes in Vinyasa flow, Iyengar, Ashtanga, restorative yoga, meditation, and more.

Whether you’re an avid yogi visiting Boston or a Bostonian considering your first class, our guide to some of the city’s best yoga studios has everything you need to know.

Filed Under: Massachusetts, North America, U.S., Yoga Tagged With: Boston, meditation, New England

The Ultimate Boston Bucket List

November 8, 2016 By Jen Ambrose 12 Comments

Boston, Massachusetts, is a popular travel destination in New England, and there are plenty of things to do in the city. After living there for four years, we created this bucket list to give you a local perspective for your next trip. Click to read about the city’s museums, markets, theatre, sports, breweries, outdoors activities, and more.

Whether you’re a native Bostonian looking for adventure, a newly relocated student wanting to explore your new home, or a first-time visitor to the city, this bucket list will help you make the most of everything Boston has to offer.

Filed Under: Massachusetts, North America, U.S. Tagged With: Boston, New England

A Beer Lover’s Guide to Craft Breweries in Boston

October 11, 2016 By Ryan Victor 24 Comments

Boston, Massachusetts, has a great craft beer scene, with three popular breweries in the city proper: Sam Adams, Harpoon, and Trillium. Next time you travel to Boston, be sure to take a brewery tour, get free beer samples, or pick up some small-batch microbrews.

If you’re a beer lover in Boston, visiting a craft brewery is a must. Ryan went to all eleven microbreweries in Boston proper, and this guide includes highlights on each one and tips for making the most of your visits.

Filed Under: Foodie Travel, Massachusetts, North America, U.S. Tagged With: Boston, craft breweries, New England

Hiking Away from the Crowds: Maine’s Cutler Coast

August 4, 2016 By Ryan Victor 5 Comments

Cutler Coast in Maine is one of Ryan’s favorite spots for hiking. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you’ll love it, too! Click for details on planning your hike.

It’s certainly not the best-known destination in New England, but Cutler Coast in Maine is one of Ryan’s favorite places to hike – and to get away from it all.

Filed Under: Hiking, Maine, Nature and Outdoors, North America, Off the Beaten Path, U.S. Tagged With: New England

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Hi! We’re Jen and Ryan, an American couple on a journey to travel the world while working from the road. We’re passionate about outdoor adventure, responsible travel, and getting off the beaten path. Passions and Places is a space for us to share our stories and tips with you, but most importantly, we hope to inspire you to seek your own adventure.

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