Notable New England

A podcast about the people, places, and things that make New England so noteworthy

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • BoomPlay
Image

Notable New England

Welcome to the Notable New England podcast. I'm your host, Gretchen B. I'm a lifelong New Englander and I'm excited to share with you the people, places, and things that make New England so noteworthy. Subscribe, tell a friend, grab a "regulah" and a Boston cream, and tune in. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Sundays. 

 

Support the Podcast

Want to get early, ad-free access to Notable New England episodes as well as other cool perks? Join our Patreon community as a paid member for as low as $2/month. Your contribution helps to fund production costs, create engaging episodes, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the podcast. I offer a variety of tiered membership levels with exclusive rewards tailored to your support. Join the Notable New England community today and be a part of what makes this podcast possible! Find out more at: patreon.com/notablenewengland 

Want to make a one-time contribution to the podcast? You can do so at: buymeacoffee.com/notablenewengland

Episodes

4 days ago

On this fresh and flavorful episode of Notable New England, we'll uncover some of the best farmers’ markets across New England. Whether you’re a lover of heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, or just enjoy wandering through open-air stalls of homemade breads, fresh flowers, local meats, and artisan crafts, this episode is your perfect summer guide.
We’ll spotlight standout markets like:
Brattleboro and Burlington Farmers’ Markets in Vermont
Coventry and Guilford’s historic markets in Connecticut
Block Island and Tiverton in Rhode Island
The Blue Hill Peninsula and United Farmers Market of Maine
And more, including community gems in Keene, Portsmouth, Copley Square, and Nantucket
Each market offers more than just food—it’s a celebration of community, sustainability, and regional pride. Tune in for tips, local insight, and a taste of the vibrant culture that makes New England summers so unforgettable.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Sunday May 25, 2025

In this episode of Notable New England, we dive into Boston’s lesser-known corners—the ones locals whisper about and visitors often miss. From kayaking the Charles River to sipping tea at the Boston Public Library, I’ll share some of my favorite off-the-beaten path spots to explore. Discover the stunning stained-glass globe at the Mapparium, stroll the historic Black Heritage Trail, and more! 
These are places where Boston’s spirit quietly shines.
🎧 Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, tune in for insider tips and fresh ideas for rediscovering the city.
💬 Got a hidden gem of your own? Share it in the community chat section at patreon.com/notablenewengland.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Sunday May 11, 2025

I kick off the podcast with Wicked Lite Bites—lighthearted, community stories and happenings from each New England state. Then, I sit down with Zoë Knight, Boston-based singer, songwriter, pianist, and music educator to talk about her latest project with her band Mythical Beasts: Love Cycle. This five-part, 19-minute psychedelic art rock journey explores the deeply human shift from hyper-independence to finding strength in community.
Zoë shares what inspired the album, how the band crafted its sound, and why Love Cycle is both deeply personal and universally resonant. We talk about vulnerability, the myth of self-reliance, and how music can be a lifeline for connection, especially when we feel most alone.
Whether you're into indie music, concept albums, creative process deep-dives, or just love hearing artists talk about what drives them, this one’s for you. Come join the conversation.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Sunday Apr 27, 2025

In this episode of Notable New England, we’re celebrating the heart and soul of New England’s literary scene: independent bookstores. 📚
Join me as I take you on a tour of some of the region’s most beloved indie bookstores, where books meet community, creativity, and connection. You'll hear about:
The Book Barn in Niantic, CT — a sprawling bibliophile’s dream with over 350,000 used and rare books.
The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, VT — a family-friendly bookstore focused on children’s literature and a stop on the Vermont Bookstore Passport challenge.
Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury, MA — Boston’s treasured Black-owned bookstore and vibrant community hub.
The Big Chicken Barn Books & Antiques in Ellsworth, ME — a unique spot blending books, antiques, and cozy reading nooks.
Riffraff Bookstore & Bar in Providence, RI — where you can sip craft cocktails while browsing indie presses and underrepresented voices.
Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth, NH — a charming, cozy bookstore with a literary cat and a curated selection of counterculture classics.
Plus, I spotlight the inspiring documentary Hello, Bookstore, a heartfelt story about the resilience of indie bookstores during the pandemic, featuring The Bookstore in Lenox, MA.
🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just love supporting local gems, this episode will inspire your next New England literary adventure!
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewengland You'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

Think you're a law-abiding citizen? Think again. This week, we’re looking into the delightfully strange, downright bizarre laws on the books across New England. From outlawed nighttime seaweed collecting in New Hampshire to silly string restrictions in Connecticut, these quirky statutes are real and chances are, you’ve broken a few without even realizing it.
I cover: 
Why giving a baby chick for Easter could land you in hot water in Massachusetts
The surprising ban on seaweed collection at night
How parking in front of a Dunkin' Donuts in one Maine town could cost you a pretty penny
The (very real) laws about painted horses, swearing, and silly string...and more! 
Whether you’re a local or just visiting New England, you’ll love this fun, fact-filled look at some of the region’s most unexpected laws. Tune in for laughs, legal quirks, and plenty of “Wait, what?!” moments.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 
 

Sunday Mar 30, 2025

Spring in New England is nothing short of magical — longer days, warmer weather, and vibrant communities ready to welcome the season. In this episode of Notable New England, I’ve curated an exciting list of events and activities happening across the region to help you shake off that winter hibernation.
⚾ Take Yourself to a Ballgame — Cheer on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park or catch a Woo Sox game in Worcester for a family-friendly outing.🦢 Glide Along on the Swan Boats — Celebrate their 148th season in the Boston Public Garden starting April 19th.🏃 Experience the Boston Marathon — Soak in the energy of the nation’s most iconic race on April 21st.🎭 Step into History — Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord with reenactments, parades, and celebrations.🧵 Admire the Art of Quilting — Visit the New England Quilt Expo in Manchester, NH, from April 10-12.🍻 Sip and Celebrate — Join the fun at the Newport Beer Festival on April 19th with over 40 breweries participating.
That’s just the beginning! I’ve got even more recommendations for festivals, fairs, and local events — from the Kingdom Maple Festival in Vermont to the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. Plus, I’ll share some unique ways to enjoy spring with your family, friends, or solo.
Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, this episode is your ultimate guide to enjoying the best of spring in New England.
🎧 Hit play and let’s explore!
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com

Sunday Mar 16, 2025

🎙️ Meet the Undaunted Professor Harp: A New England Blues Legend 🎶
In this episode of Notable New England, we kick things off with Wicked Lite Bites—fun, lighthearted stories and things to do around New England. Then, we dive into an inspiring conversation with New England blues legend Professor Harp!
Professor Harp shares his incredible journey in blues, from his influences and favorite artists to his experiences performing across the region and bringing the blues overseas. Whether you're a blues lover, a music history buff, or just love discovering local legends, this episode is packed with New England music history and passionate storytelling.
🔹 Topics Covered:🎶 Professor Harp’s musical influences and blues journey🎶 His upcoming shows in New England🎶 His experience bringing blues to international audiences🎶 Why keeping the blues alive matters today
🎧 Tune in and discover why Professor Harp remains a powerful force in music.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com

Sunday Mar 02, 2025

Did you know that microwaves, basketball, and chocolate chip cookies were all invented in New England? From everyday essentials to game-changing breakthroughs, this episode of Notable New England explores the fascinating history behind some of the region’s most iconic inventions.
Before diving into these incredible inventions, we kick things off with Wicked Lite Bites—a fun, lighthearted roundup of news and happenings from all six New England states.
🎧 Listen now to discover:✔️ How a Maine scientist accidentally invented the microwave oven 🍽️✔️ The Massachusetts dentist who changed golf forever ⛳✔️ The Rhode Island entrepreneur behind the modern diner industry 🍽️✔️ The pioneering women who revolutionized fashion & style 👗✔️ And much more!
If you love New England history, fun facts, and hidden gems, this episode is a must-listen!
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com

Sunday Feb 16, 2025

As always, we kick the podcast off with 'Wicked Lite Bites', lighthearted news stories and goings on in each New England state. Then, meet Jason Nappi, also known as the Pizza Weatherman. Jason has cultivated a large social media presence independently forecasting the weather from Kennebunk, Maine, and providing his followers with the best places for pizza and other food delights in the state. 
Research sources/show notes 
Music credits and proof of licensing
Support Notable New England:Your support covers production costs, fuels engaging new episodes, and helps ensure the podcast's long-term success. Tiered membership levels offer access to exclusive rewards like early, ad-free access to episodes and more that make your support extra special. If money is an issue, no problem. Join our Patreon community as a free member for some free New England content. https://www.patreon.com/c/notablenewengland
Follow Notable New England:PatreonBlueskyYouTubeTik Tok
Podcast website: https://notablene.podbean.com/
Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com

Episode 6: New England Slang

Sunday Feb 02, 2025

Sunday Feb 02, 2025

Starting off the podcast, get your fix of 'Wicked Lite Bites', feel-good stories from each New England state. Then, we talk about New England slang. The lingo you know in New England but others from away look at us with sheer puzzlement wondering “what in the world do they mean?”
Research sources 
Music credits and proof of licensing
Support Notable New England:Your support covers production costs, fuels engaging new episodes, and helps ensure the podcast's long-term success. Tiered membership levels offer access to exclusive rewards that make your support even more special.https://www.patreon.com/c/notablenewengland
Follow Notable New England:PatreonBlueskyYouTubeTik Tok
Podcast website: https://notablene.podbean.com/
Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125