Summer in Massachusetts Preview Reception

Last week, as part of my job, I helped put together a media reception that gave a little preview of summer in Massachusetts. I love planning events, and this one was a lot of fun, thanks to some great sponsors and to the fact that we live in a great place, especially in the summertime!

Boston Chops was our host for the evening, and they provided some fantastic snacks for us to snack on with wine from Travessia Urban Winery. Each is an example of a great Massachusetts business and demonstrate the great things happening all across the Commonwealth, especially when it comes to the culinary scene.

Generous gift bag sponsors included Salem’s Harbor Sweets, who shared their signature Sweet Sloops.

Harbor Sweets is launching its first new line since 2001 this summer. Salt & Ayre was inspired by conversations with loyal customers and with company friend/eminent cookbook author Lora Brody. Salt & Ayre boasts seven heavenly bite-size indulgences with flavor notes including Thai ginger, chai, caramel and Himalayan sea salt and its packaging will feature a new distinctive look and style.

The very sweet Robin of Robin’s Candy, which has locations on Newbury Street and in Great Barrington, gave guests gift cards to the store. I had the pleasure of picking the cards up on Newbury Street, and I have to tell you that Robin’s is absolutely enchanting. It’s like a magical candy land, a fun and delicious place for all ages.

Chewy, decadent, yet healthy cookies from Bonnievilles. These power cookies are made of whole food ingredients and leave out things like refined sugars. They are slightly sweet and pack a lot of flavor, definitely a treat you can feel good about!

It was great to spend the evening chatting with bloggers I know and some I had never met. There’s a lot going on in Massachusetts this summer; below are just a few of the things I’m most excited about (in addition, of course, to my annual Cape Cod weekend). For a complete guide to travel  in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com.

New England Brewery Tours provides an unforgettable beer experience and gives visitors an inside look at all the incredible things going on in New England’s beer industry. Visit breweries large and small and, along the way, enjoy gourmet food paired with local beer. www.newenglandbrewerytours.com

Cape Ann Foodie Tours launches the new Taste Gloucester tour, providing a tasty overview of the 400-year-old port city. From chowder to olive oil, to a special sandwich that Gloucester natives have been enjoying for decades, Taste Gloucester will expose guests to local treats they’d be hard pressed to discover on their own. The company’s 2.5 hour (roughly 1 mile) tours led by dynamic tour guides also include Rockport Sights and Sweets, Taste Newburyport, and Ales & Tales. Tours are $47 per person. www.capeannfoodietours.com

In summer 2013, The Wauwinet, the only Relais & Châteaux property on Nantucket, will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with $25 meals, wines, spa treats and more. Guests can enjoy a $25 two-course lunch select dates in May and June (excl Sunday Brunch) and specially selected $25 wines at TOPPER’s, the on-site restaurant which was awarded a perfect score of 100 for its cuisine on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Gold List. www.wauwinet.com

The Food and Wine Festival on Martha’s Vineyard in October celebrates local harvests from the sea and Vineyard farms. Enjoy wines from around the world, food prepared by local and renowned chefs; attend seminars and tastings and so much more. www.mvfoodandwine.com