Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Places to Go When You Need to Get Out of the House (Solo Edition)
26
items A curated list of places perfect for solo outings — restaurants, parks, hiking trails, and spots that just feel good to visit alone. Whether you're craving a solo lunch, a quiet walk, or just a change of scenery, these are the places I actually love ...
Map
Sections
4
Good places to walk
Places I Actually Go Back To
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Good places to walk
Trails, boardwalks, parks, garden paths, and anywhere the scenery does the work. Solo-friendly and always worth the drive.
Came here during Covid. So peaceful and beautiful. A wonderful place for a solo introspective walk, to think, or meditate, take in the pretty flowers and nature.
Garden in the Woods
I've walked this alone many times. Scenic walk through Marlborough and into Hudson. Walk, run, bike. It's beautiful and typically quiet.
Assabet River Rail Trail | Massachusetts Trails
This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots I have ever visited. 1st 3 photos I took. Picture perfect. Beautiful nature, wildlife, birds, marshes all around you. Beach is close by. Downtown Newburyport is is a short bike or car drive away (S...
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
My favorite local park. It's pretty and there's a nice walking loop you can do around the soccer field. There's a splash pad, monkey bars, picnic tables, a huge field and a volleyball court. Something for everyone.
Ghiloni Park
New boardwalk. You can literally walk on water. Views of nature and wildlife and a path. Loop is a couple miles. Great walk. No dogs or fishing allowed.
Lake Williams Boardwalk
Places I Actually Go Back To
Not a round-up of places I've heard are good — these are restaurants & places I've actually been to and would go back to without hesitation. From neighborhood spots worth knowing about to destinations worth planning around, this list covers the dining experiences that stuck with me. Solo-friendly seating a bonus, good ...
While visiting Salem, stop by Pickering Wharf and head to Longboards. Good food and drinks and pretty views of the Harbor. Picture of my solo lunch shown.
Longboards, Salem MA
One of, if not my most favorite coastal town to visit. It's totally walkable, full of shops, boutiques and restaurants. The waterfront has swings a walkway, booze cruises and pretty yachts to look at. Beautiful sunsets. There's always something to se...
Newburyport MA
My hometown. A fun place to hang out for the day. Come in the summer and spend the afternoon at Pickering Wharf. Enjoy the marina views, shops and restaurants. Head downtown for the museums and or down to Salem Willows for a picnic or a swim. Forrest...
Salem MA
This little local place is tucked away. Authentic Brazilian food served buffet style with freshly cooked meats carved right off the spit. Sold by weight. Dine in or takeout. Tastes like a home made meal, bring your appetite. I don't think they serve ...
Pruller Restaurant | Marlborough MA
Arts & Entertainment
Outdoor concerts, open-air theater, sculpture gardens, art festivals, and the kind of cultural experiences that are just better with fresh air and no dress code. These are the picks I actually show up for — solo, on my own schedule, with a good seat ...
One of my favorite music venues. Maynard is so cute (cute daytrip for little shops too) They have all kinds of live music including swing and funk bands. A large dance floor (I love to dance.) A very nice, small upscale bar in the back if that's your...
Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
Boy this is a fun one!! Catch a boat out of Salem Harbor and dance your but off on the water! Mixed drinks served aboard. Many local bars and restaurants within walking distance. Make a day of it.
MAHI CRUISES
These are artist studios and lofts, the largest in New England. The 1st of every month (check their website for date changes) they open their studios to the public. Go inside the studios, see the art, meet and talk with the artists. Several floors to...
Western Avenue
Family friendly. Food, mini-golf, driving range, bumper boats (and more) and their famous ice cream. I will happily drive 45 minutes for their ice cream alone. Locally famous.
Kimball Farm Westford
Get a parking pass from your local library. Beach, grill, rent kayaks or paddle boats. Walking trails. It's a fun and relaxing day at Hopkington State Park.
Hopkinton State Park, MA - Campgrounds and Camping Reservations
Favorite outside dancing venue!! Spectacular ocean views around you, huge dance floor, big stage. So check out your favorite dance band and dance the night away while you watch the gorgeous sunset. Can get crowded. Food and drinks available.
SurfSide
This place will be forever known as “Great Woods” to me. A large outdoor concert venue. There is food and drink available. No bags, backpacks or purses allowed. Plenty of room to walk around. Leaving an event takes time with all the cars, so be warne...
Xfinity Center (Great Woods )
Music venue on the water. Enjoy a great meal downstairs then walk upstairs and dance away to live bands. Beautiful harbor views. Can't go wrong here. Does get crowded, be prepared to stand if you don't get there early. (Newburyport is a short ride aw...
The Deck Salisbury
Get a discount pass from your local library. Spend the afternoon. Lots of art to see. Have a bite in their cafe. See the room of the infamous robbery (I posted my personal photo) and watch the Netflix documentary about it if you really want to get in...
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Local Favorites
The Locals know
Father & son team run this local favorite hangout. Armenian fusion has something for everyone. Crafted cocktails and martinis to die for. My fave? Pistachio, gotta try it.
Double Ts Tavern
Thia place rival's the North End quality, in fact they get their desserts from there. Not fancy, but absolutely delicious. Will be packed on a Friday/Saturday night so get there early or order out ahead.
Linguine's Italian Eatery
One of the cutest and livliest Main Streets around. I believe it was voted #1 not too long ago. Stop by New City Micro-creamery for an ice cream flight, made the non- conventional way with liquid nitrogen. There's a speakeasy in the back (sssh don't ...
Main St Hudson, MA
Local fave. Sadly, the longtime owner passed away in 2024. He was well known and loved. Go there 1st for their music venue. All kinds of live bands weekly. Go there 2nd for their outdoor space with firepits, games and outdoor bar. Their food is hit o...
Firefly's BBQ
This place is gem. Just back from a few days there. Perfect for a solo day trip or weekend - I've done both. Stay at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina. A bit dated, but clean & affordable. Location, Location, Location! Free kayaks and SUP boa...
Newport RI, something for everyone
This is a well known hangout. Great place for a picnic, walk, just to hang. Was there for 4th of July celebration that features the USS Constitution — one of the oldest commissioned ships in the U.S. Navy. Oh, and they have awesome cheeseburgers.
Castle Island
This place is iconic. A well known Chinese restaurant for decades. After Covid, they opened a huge outdoor space. See live bands, dance and have dinner outside. Several bars. Plenty of tables and booths. A good time. On Route1 in Saugus, MA.
Kowloon Restaurant and Outdoor Music Venue
The cutest little French style bistro on main street in Northborough. Their crepes are wonderful! Enjoy a wonderful breakfast outside on their deck surrounded by wildflowers and herbs. It's a delight. You'd never know that you are in metro west Massa...
C'est La Vie Bistro