What Is Massachusetts’ Most Iconic Food?
The Food Network’s “United Plates of America” is a fun report which highlights a unique cuisine that each state is known for. It’s no surprise what was named the most iconic food in Massachusetts. In fact, it’s considered to be a must-try comfort food.
The Bay State is well-known for its selection of small-plate seafood options. From Lobster Rolls to Oysters, Massachusetts has access to fresh selections year-round. What’s interesting about the Food Network’s choice for our most iconic dish is that it can be an appetizer or a full meal. In addition, it is not seasonal. This bowl of hot and hearty soup appears on many different types of menus. The white variation is named after the region. So, what is it?
Clam Chowder
New England Clam Chowder is traditionally made up of clams, potatoes, onions, salt pork, and milk or cream. However, slight variations can contain certain vegetables or bacon as well. Its wingman is typically oyster crackers, and can be served in a small cup portion or larger bowl.
The Food Network’s feature highlights Legal Sea Foods, which has its headquarters in Boston. The Food Network reports that at Legal Sea Foods, clam chowder outsells fish chowder 20 – 1.
Clam Chowder is such an iconic Massachusetts food that various businesses in the state are built off this soup. Companies such as Boston Chowda Co, Atlantic Fish Company, Luke’s Lobster and Fisherman’s View are all well-established Chowder makers. In Cape Cod, Captain Parker’s Chowder is even packaged and distributed to grocery stores and wholesalers across the region.
If you are feeling a chill inside Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium, or have a sudden craving in TD Garden, you will find clam chowder available at sporting events as well. And if you are visiting the state this summer, Massachusetts’s most iconic food will still be readily available in the warmer months. It’s a bowl of happiness to be enjoyed at any time.
Massachusetts Lighthouse Named One Of The Most Beautiful In The World
What do Porto, Portugal, Crete, Greece, and Scituate, Massachusetts have in common? They all have historic lighthouses. In fact, in Trips To Discover’s recent guide, they named Old Scituate Light, along Massachusetts’ south shore one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.
The 1800’s
This landmark dates back to the year 1810. “Congress voted to build a lighthouse at the harbor, and the light made of split granite blocks with a house attached and was activated the following year (1811),” Trips To Discover explains. It was the 11th lighthouse in the United States upon completion. It cost $4,000. Shortly after, Captain Simeon Bates, his wife and nine children lived at the house. Bates was the first keep of this lighthouse.
“Because mariners complained that the light could not be seen from far enough away to make proper heading adjustments, the U.S. Government added fifteen feet in height to the tower in 1827, mortaring red brick on top of the granite blocks,” Scituate’s Historical Society explains.
The 1900’s
The town of Scituate acquired the lighthouse from the government in 1916 for $1,000. Fourteen years later, a new lantern room was built at the top. 1994 marked one of the most memorable events in Old Scituate Light’s history as it was relit, making it visible from the sea for the first time in 134 years. Three years prior, it had been relit to be seen on land only.
Present Day
Old Scituate Light is a very popular south shore attraction. Every day people can be seen taking pictures of this lighthouse. Select dates are released each year that detail when it will be open to the public. Walkways along the water’s edge surround it for guests to explore the area. One of this destination’s most notable elements is the attached cottage. That remains a private residence that is the lightkeeper’s cottage.
While many tourists travel to the south shore of Massachusetts for the beaches and boating, stopping by one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world is also a site worth seeing.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
