Top 5 Traditional New England Holiday Dishes
On the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts sits a charming yet off the beaten path quintessential New England cape, Cape Ann. Fondly known as “The Other Cape, it is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Boston and is the perfect getaway for your seasonal vacation. Cape Ann is made up of four communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. The region’s rich history makes Cape Ann the perfect vacation destination for your Thanksgiving getaway!
During Thanksgiving, travelers flock to Cape Cod but when you’re coming in from the city, beat the traffic and enjoy fewer crowds by venturing up to Cape Ann instead. Even though the roots of Thanksgiving originated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, southeast of the Boston area, they are felt throughout the regions from holiday parades to local traditions. When you visit Cape Ann for the holidays, these top 5 dishes are a MUST to have on your holiday table at your Atlantic Vacation Homes rental.
#1 New England Clam Chowder
This iconic chowder is the perfect starter course for your classic New England Thanksgiving in one of our beautiful Cape Ann vacation rental homes. Woodman’s of Essex is known as the founder of the fried clam, but their secret family recipe for clam chowder is one to make. Click here for the recipe.
#2 New England Lobster Roll
Lobstering is an industry still going strong on Cape Ann today. Lobster boats can be seen heading out to sea and returning to dock with their latest fresh catch of the day. Boiled lobsters, fresh lobster meat, and lobster rolls can be seen on the menus at many of the local restaurants throughout the area. A local favorite is the lobster roll. Some dining establishments serve the classic lobster roll whereas other eateries vary the recipe to add their own special touch. We recommend trying a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster Co. located in Rockport’s Bearskin Neck. Or, if you have a hankering to make your own lobster rolls, purchase fresh lobster meat from Cape Ann Lobsterman.
#3 Crumb Topped Clams
Stuffed clams or “stuffies” is an Italian-American dish typically served as an appetizer. Local clams served with a stuffing mixture including other fresh seafood, meat, bread crumbs, and fresh herbs definitely make it a New England-style dish to enjoy during the holidays. Turner’s Seafood in Gloucester stocks up their fish cases with their signature stuffed clams ready for pre-order with instructions on how to bake and serve at your Atlantic Vacation Homes rental.
#4 Fried Clams
These golden nuggets are a delicacy and absolutely delicious! Woodman’s of Essex is home to the New England Fried Clam! Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman, invented the first fried clam and founded the restaurant located in Essex over 100 years ago. Open year-round, dine in at the restaurant or place a to-go order for your family to enjoy during the holidays.
#5 Apple Pie with Cheese
Apple Pie with cheese originated in England and made its way across the pond, to you guessed it, New England a few centuries ago. The New England settlers brought this concoction with them and it wouldn’t be a holiday without a classic New England style Apple Pie! Get to the core of this tasty dessert with Yankee Magzine’s Apple Pie with Vermont Cheddar Cheese recipe.
When you spend the holiday season on the shores of Cape Ann you are surrounded by rich history steeped in traditions. Book your vacation rental to the North Shore and celebrate the Holiday season with us in a Cape Ann Vacation Rental.
Where to Stay For Your North Shore Holiday Getaway
Atlantic Vacation Homes offers a wide variety of vacation rental homes across Cape Ann that would be perfect for your North Shore getaway in fall. To book your accommodations (and take advantage of our lower autumn rates), simply view available vacation rentals and enter your desired dates to get a quote. You can also call toll-free at (855) 853-9143 to speak with a Guest Experience Specialist.