Massachusetts has a rich history that goes back to the founding of our nation. With events like the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth and Boston Tea Party, meals and beverages have a special importance in our commonwealth. Here are some ways you can eat your way through the day with famous food and drinks that originated in Massachusetts…
Stop for breakfast
Head over to Dunkin’ to grab yourself a coffee and a Boston Kreme donut to start your day. Dunkin’ originated in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1948 and is ubiquitous today with a shop everywhere you go.
Bag Lunch
Have a Fluffernutter – a salty sweet combination of Marshmallow Fluff and peanut butter which was a household staple in the 1960s and still is in some households. While Fluff is made in Lynn today, it originated in Somerville, where it is annually celebrated with a Fluff Festival. Add a bag of Cape Cod Potato Chips to make it a meal.
Seafood Dinner
Head to the Cape for a lobster roll (check out our guide to the best lobster rolls on Cape Cod). For those who like a less fishy flavor, cod is the way to go. After all, a notable Cape is named after it and it’s the state fish. If you’re looking for an appetizer, have a cup of New England Clam Chowder.
Or head north to Essex for a century-old favorite. On July 3rd, 1916, Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman, at the humorous suggestion of a friend, fried up a few clams at his roadside stand in Essex and the original New England fried clams were born.
Round of Drinks
Head to a bars and order a Samuel Adams Boston Lager or one of their Wicked IPAs. If you’re in the mood for juice try Ocean Spray Cranberry from Middleboro, Welch’s Grape from Concord or Nantucket Nectars from two guys named Tom that used to sell them to yachts visiting the island. For something no-cal, go for a flavored Polar Seltzer Water from Worcester.
Sweet Treats
The Boston Cream Pie is a favorite of many with its chocolate top and the creamy center. The original Boston Cream Pie was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.
For something lighter have a Hoodsie Cup, founded in Charlestown, based in Lynnfield; Toll House Cookies from Whitman; a Table Talk Pie from Worcester; or some Fig Newtons from, where else – Newton.
With so many famous foods and beverages created and made in Massachusetts, be proud of our state’s ingenuity and eat and drink like true Bay Staters!