3 New England State Fairs Named Among The Best In The Country

Wide Open Country recently listed the 20 best state fairs in the country, and three New England destinations were included in their feature. "So many families throughout the United States make it a tradition to attend their local county fair each year," they explain. With each event typically spanning a few days or weeks, state fairs are certainly events you mark down on the calendar. Depending upon your whereabouts, states often hold their fairs during different months of the year. So, if you are a true enthusiast, you can even travel to visit other fairs in outside regions.

Each state fair also contains its own flavor. From neighborhood musicians performing to customized state flag competitions to food trucks that cook up local cuisines, these fairs are a great opportunity to showcase some hometown pride.

Here, we will take a ride through New England and stop at the three state fairs that were named among the best in the country.

When is it? October 1 - 8, 2023. 1154 Main Street.

The Fryeburg Fair is also known as the Blue Ribbon Classic. The weeklong event is the biggest fair in Maine. It even allows camping. In addition, you can livestock, harness racing, Christmas Tree wreathes, and candy apples across the festival grounds.

When is it? September 15 - October 1, 2023. 1305 Memorial Ave.

From the biggest fair in Maine to one of the biggest state fairs not only in New England, but in America. The Big E is massive. Throughout the two weeks they even have certain days that are dedicated to each state in New England. For example, September 23 is "Vermont Day."

In addition to your standard fair expectations, the Big E brings in national touring artists for ticketed concerts. This year they will have Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World, and John Fogerty as some of the shows.

When is it? August 31 - September 4, 2023. 392 Kearsarge Ave.

Billed as a Labor Day tradition in New Hampshire, the Hopkinton State Fair has been going strong for over 100 years. Their Midway section contains some of your traditional carnival rides as well. This is where you can hop on Zero Gravity or the Twister. If your stomach is still intact, you can then make your way over to grab a giant donut or bison burger.

As a father of four, my mornings are always a bit hectic. I enjoy being an early bird; however, I rarely have the time to prep a good breakfast. Therefore, I was quite thrilled to see that Tasting Table recognized three New England restaurants for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the country. I'm always looking for a good quick breakfast.

A morning in my world usually consists of a sunrise workout, followed by a scramble to get myself and the kids out of the house. Then I embark on an hour-long drive to the office. On the weekends, it's taking one of my kids to their sports game. Let's focus on the latter for a moment.

While I am more lenient on my breakfast choice (a banana or shake will do), I insist upon a healthy start for the little guys. Driving them all around New England on weekends requires a few drive-thru meals that you eat in the car. My preference is for the kids to have something substantial, with a protein they enjoy. A breakfast sandwich is often the choice.

The perfect breakfast sandwich should follow three simple rules. It's quick, both to order and make. It's fresh (not a microwaved egg slab pulled out of plastic). Finally, it's a balanced hand-held item that is not too heavy, processed or sugar-filled.

When trekking through interstates and unfamiliar towns at sunrise, it's easy to settle upon the quickest Dunkin' Donuts. Now, there are some other options that you (and I) should know about. These three New England restaurants ranking among the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.

Before we get into the list, it is necessary to give one other shout-out. The Portland, Oregon establishment named by Tasting Table has both the best restaurant and sandwich name. The "Yolko Ono" by Fried Egg I'm In Love.

Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, MA, is the first stop. Tasting Table calls out "Geno's Egg Sandwich." This is a brioche bun filled with egg topped with halloumi cheese, feta butter, tomato concasse, and spicy green cilantro.

Next, we hop on 95 North and pull into the Elephantine Bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here the selected breakfast sandwich is called the "Egg Simit." It's the healthiest of the three choices based on pure ingredients. This sandwich consists of egg, hummus, beat pistachio spread, feta, and spinach on a sesame simit.

I actually had a very hard time securing a quick bacon, egg, and cheese this past spring while in Maine for a lacrosse tournament. Now I know I need to go to a coffee shop next time. Tandem Coffee has something so good, it doesn't even need a clever name. "The Breakfast Sandwich" is simply egg, American cheese, and smoked paprika. However, when you rest it upon a homemade buttermilk biscuit, you reach a new level.