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Clam chowder is a staple on the menus of restaurants all over Boston, Massachusetts, but not all chowders are made equal. Here are four of the best places to sample this tasty New England dish. Neptune Oyster Neptune Oyster on Salem Street is a cozy place with marble-topped tables and gleaming subway-style tiles that give it a retro charm. Given its small dining room and popularity, you may have to wait for a table or a seat at the bar. While you're waiting, you can salivate over the awesome variety of fresh oysters on ice in the window display. The clam chowder is made fresh to order with Wellfleet cherrystone clams. Although it's thinner than others, it's beautifully flavored with clam stock, salt pork, and bechamel. For your entree, you could have North End Cioppino, whole Rockport mackerel, Nantucket swordfish, or the clambake. The Warren Tavern Hailed as the oldest tavern in Massachusetts, The Warren Tavern on Pleasant Street in Charlestown was built in 1780 and has catered for historic figures such as George Washington, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Franklin. Walking into the tavern is like stepping back in time with its low ceilings, oak beams, and wood and tile floors Among the appetizers is the New England clam chowder, which is spiced up with black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. You'll also find Parmesan truffle fries, Fenway egg rolls, and steamed mussels. Main dishes include short rib shepherd's pie, Seafood Fra Diavolo, and Tavern Steak Fries. Alternatively, chose from the range of burgers and sandwiches. Atlantic Fish Company Located on Boyiston Street, the Atlantic Fish Company has been serving the freshest seafood for more than 40 years. The dining room has an upscale feel with wood paneling and crisp white table linen, or weather permitting, you can eat on the outdoor patio. All of the seafood is locally sourced and won't have been out of the water for more than two days. The recipe for their creamy clam chowder is as old as the business and, while it's traditionally served in a cup, you can have an extra treat by having it in a bread bowl. The menu is changed daily to suit the fish catch, but the lobster bisque, lobster ravioli, and Lobster Fra Diavolo are highly recommended if available. Boston Chowda Company The family-owned and operated Boston Chowder Company is situated in Faneuil Hall of the historic and bustling Quincy Market building. Being in a touristic area, it's usually busy, but the friendly and efficient servers work hard to keep the line to a minimum. Once you have your food, the hall has standing tables and a seating area under the famous gilded dome. You can get the award-winning clam chowder in every size from an eight-ounce cup to a gallon to take home, or you can opt for the delicious bread bowl. A variety of soups, chowders, pot pies, and sandwiches are available daily. Don't miss the lobster roll. These are just a few of the best seafood spots in Boston that serve clam chowder. Explore the city and you might find your own favorite place.

The burger. It's an American icon. Just the smell of a ground beef patty hot off the grill conjures up wonderful memories. They're more than just a fast, low-cost meal, they're a dietary staple for many of us. Next time you're hungry for a burger topped just the way you like it, check out one of the five best joints around Norwood, Massachusetts. Mugs and Muffins Mugs and Muffins is a quiet, family-friendly restaurant on 716 Washington St. in Norwood Center. It's your one-stop spot for a mouthwatering menu delivered piping hot to your table by friendly staff. They're open daily for breakfast and lunch and serve up some of the city's best burgers — hands down. Each patty off the grill at Mugs and Muffins features a whole half pound of ground Angus beef with your choice of french fries, potato salad, or chips. Pick from the bacon and egg cheeseburger or the Greekburger with feta cheese and grilled onions. Both are highly recommended. C.F. McCarthy's A traditional Irish pub at 614 Washington St., C.F. McCarthy's is the place to go for a burger and a brew. Freshly-pressed hamburgers, fall-off-the-bone wings, and a nice assortment of craft beers are some top choices at this friendly, neighborhood pub. Feel like family while you savor the Smokehouse option with bacon and fontina cheese. The house burger is loaded with veggies and topped with a tasty scratch-made sauce. Lewis Restaurant and Grille From sliders and fries on the appetizer menu to seasoned Angus ground short rib and beef chuck patties served on grilled bread, Lewis Restaurant has mouthwatering choices. These burgers come with a wide array of sides so that you can build yours to taste. Choose from pastrami and swiss to barbeque sauce and pepper jack at this trendy grill at 92 Central St. in Norwood. Chiara Located at 569 High St. in Westwood is Chiara. This upscale eatery is less than 10 minutes from downtown Norwood and offers an excellent wine list and an attentive waitstaff along with their world-class half-pound burger. This all-natural Angus beef patty is topped with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions, avocado aioli, and a house-brined pickle. Why not order the rosemary-parm truffle fries on the side or add an over medium egg to your burger? Patriot Tavern The recently remodeled Patriot Tavern sits at 102 Main St. in Walpole, just 15 minutes outside of Norwood. Come in on Mondays when the burgers are only five bucks. The classic 8-ounce "Old Glory" and the "Breakfast" burger with fried egg and bacon come served on a lightly toasted brioche roll. Try the sweet potato fries or the onion strings for a flavorful break from tradition. The quaint Patriot Tavern is a popular hangout, so get there early. When you've got a craving that only a big, juicy patty will cure, hit up one of these five best burger joints around Norwood, MA. Don't forget to save room for the fries.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion with a treat or you're on the lookout for a scrumptious weekday dessert, feed your inner child with something sweet. Go ahead and tempt your taste buds at these top four dessert places in Norwood, Massachusetts. Guarino Pastry Shop Guarino's, on 865 Washington St., offers a large variety of Italian baked goods, from bread and cookies to traditional Italian rum cakes and cannolis. Do you need a dessert for that special holiday meal? Come in and check out Guarino Pastry Shop for a party tray loaded with all your favorite, indulgent morsels. Pre-order a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or a gingerbread house for Christmas. Why not try the apple turnovers with whipped cream for tonight's dessert? Its light and crispy layers are worth the calories, and the sweet, fruity filling is what your taste buds want. It's so good you'll want to skip dinner. The Common Cafe & Patisserie This unique bakery in the heart of Norwood at 637 Washington St. bakes up always made-from-scratch pastries and delicious gourmet coffee in a cozy, neighborhood coffee shop atmosphere. Make The Common Cafe your new favorite place to get dessert or a home-style breakfast and lunch. Try one of their croissants or a scone and imagine you've been transported to a sidewalk cafe in Paris or sample one of their signature caramelita bars. It's a brownie topped with layers of caramel, chocolate, oatmeal, and walnuts. This decadent dessert will astonish even the most die-hard sweet tooth. Ever So Humble Pie Company Head to this local hidden gem for a premium pie experience. Ever So Humble Pie Company This bakery is a bit hard to find. It sits on the front corner of an old industrial mill building, set back from the main road. at 153 Washington St. in East Walpole, but it touts some of the most delicious baked goods in town. Its knowledgeable and friendly staff offer a large variety of pies and other desserts to choose from, including fresh scones. Just get there early for the best selection. Why not take a walk on the delicious side of life and get a pie for your birthday instead of the traditional cake? The pies are reasonably priced, and rumor has it the classic apple variety is just like grandma used to make. Dessert Works Located at 302 Providence Hwy in Westwood, Dessert Works is your one-stop-shop for confections. Order a custom cake for your holiday parties, birthdays, graduation, wedding, or any other occasion from this venue. Their goodies come in outstanding flavors such as lemon with raspberry preserve, marble chocolate piped with vanilla mousse, and an Italian meringue buttercream. Each one is delicious and almost too beautiful to eat. Dessert Works also offers bite-sized goodies such as petit fours and chocolate-dipped strawberries for luscious finger food options. The hunt for the perfect dessert is over. Use this handy guide to find the top dessert place in Norwood near you. Bring home an unforgettable treat tonight.

Whether day or night, when you're out and about and your taste buds are craving a fresh slice of goodness, make your way to one of these favorite pizza places in Norwood, MA. Pizzeria Bruno's At Pizzeria Bruno's, expect a delicious pie made with fresh in-house dough and an extension selection of toppings. Start your day with a visit at opening time for a breakfast pizza topped with scrambled eggs topped with ham, sausage, bacon, and an assortment of cheeses. For lunch or dinner, the Bruno's Sicilian pizza is sure to please along with the other pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, and dinner entrees. When hunger pangs are making their presence known, head to the restaurant which is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner, and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pizza Palace Whether you're downtown shopping and want to take a lunch break or you're out and about on the town and looking for a place for a late-night bite, Pizza Palace has you covered. Open seven days a week, dine in or carry out from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon until 9 p.m. on Sunday. Pizza Palace serves authentic Italian-style pizza by the pie or slice and gourmet pizzas such as the Greek, Hawaiian, Taco, Philly cheese steak, and shrimp scampi that will whet your appetite. The menu also features a variety of hot and cold sub sandwiches; chicken, burger, and gyro plates; and pasta and dinner entrees such as Fettuccine Alfredo, pasta Primavera, grilled salmon, beef stir fry, and steak tips. Crushed Peppers Pizza and Grill Satisfy your craving for specialty pizzas at Crushed Peppers Pizza and Grill where they serve pies with names like the Aloha, Italian Flag, When Pigs Fly, Afraid-o-broccoli, Ring of Fire, and Sweet Mesquite. With names like these, it's clear these pies are made to please the palate. The menu also includes assorted calzones, house sandwiches, subs, burgers, pasta, and wings and fingers plus tasty sides like onion rings, mac and cheese, and sweet potato fries. Dine in or order delivery, either way, expect a tasty slice of Italian-style pizza plus all the trimmings Monday through Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sunday noon until 8 p.m. Jimmy's Pizzeria and Restaurant Located just minutes away in East Walpole, Jimmy's Pizzeria offers a diverse menu served in a family-friendly environment accompanied by extra-friendly service. Choose from traditional pizzas, pasta or steak grinder dinners, gyros, chicken kabobs, or specialty pizzas such as shrimp, barbeque, Hawaiian, Jimmy's special, and more. Enhance the meal with the addition of an appetizer, salad, wrap, or calzone. Stop by Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Make lunch time or dinner time a special meal with a handmade pizza created with the freshest ingredients with a visit to these popular family-friendly restaurants. Image by Steve Snodgrass is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

There is never a shortage of things to do in the Boston area. The city offers a wide variety of attractions both inside and out, and there is something for everyone whether you like sports, art, science, or museums. Summer is a great time to get out in Boston. It's Summer, and there is plenty of time to spend the day enjoying all the fun. Make sure to enjoy these Summer Boston activities. The New England Aquarium The New England Aquarium has something for kids of all ages. Right in the center of the main building, there is a four-story Giant Ocean Tank with a Caribbean coral reef. As you make your way up and around the tank, you can get an up-close look at all the fish, turtles, and even sharks. Don't be surprised if you even see a scuba diver in the tank as they check on all the inhabitants. Out in the front, you can see Northern fur seals, along with California sea lions, and then on the first floor, you'll find is a touch tank with hermit crabs and sea stars. The aquarium is a popular spot for visitors, so make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. You can avoid the lines and leave time for taking in some of the extra activities such as harbor seal training and penguin feedings. The Old State House The Old State House located on Washington Street is right on Boston's historic Freedom Trail. It was initially built in 1713 and used as a seat for British power. The museum is now open seven days a week, and you can take a self-guided tour. A walk through the building takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and you want, you can also listen to one of the staff talk about the museum to learn even more. There is also the Boston Massacre Tour with information about the event that took place on March 5, 1770, and led to the American Revolution. Take in A Red Sox Game at Fenway Park You can't let summer go by without taking in a Red Sox game at Fenway. This ballpark is over 100 years old, and one of the oldest in the nation. Get the most out of your day by booking a tour of the park before the game to see of some of baseball's most legendary players. The tour will take you up on the famous Green Monster which stands over 37 feet over left field. On game days the last tour gets going three hours before game time. Boston Museum of Science For one of the best hands-on experience in Boston visit the Boston Museum of Science. At this museum, you can see an indoor lighting bolt that the staff create using the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator, and walk up a set of stairs that look and sound just like a piano. These are just a few of the Boston area activities you can take in before the summer ends. Image by JD is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

A good cup of coffee can mean the difference between a good day and a not so good day. If you prefer to get your coffee on the go, there are some excellent places to stop in the Norwood area. Most of the coffee shops also offer coffee drinks. lattes, and espresso so you can get anything you like. Here are the best coffee spots near Norwood. Perks Coffeehouse You can grab a cup of coffee to take on the go or stay and relax at Perks Coffeehouse on Washington Street in Norwood. This is a nice place to meet up with friends for coffee. You can get all your favorite drinks, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. There is free Wi-Fi, so you can even bring your computer and get some work done if you want, or just sit back and people watch. The staff is friendly, and the food menu includes sandwiches and salads if you're hungry. Stoughton House of Brews In nearby Stoughton, stop by Stoughton House of Brews for a quality cup of coffee. This place opens up at 6:30 in the morning for those who like an early cup of coffee, and they stay open until midnight on the weekends with food, drinks, and live music. The brews start first thing in the morning with organic coffee and a comfortable place to sit and relax while you drink it. In the morning, you can also get some breakfast treats, and if the weather is nice, you can bring it all out on the patio in the fresh air. The Common Cafe & Patisserie Head to Washington Street in Norwood to The Common Cafe & Patisserie for delicious coffee and pastries. The coffee is always fresh and rich, and the menu has a wonderful selection of cakes and pastries. You can get just a cup of coffee, or a coffee drink made just the way you like. Get a latte or a cappuccino made by one of the owners or their staff, and you can get a breakfast sandwich or a full breakfast plate to go with it. The home-baked desserts include brownies, pecan squares, and gourmet cookies. Big Bear Cafe & Espresso Bar If you're in Dedham, make sure to stop by Big Bear Cafe & Espresso Bar. This place sits right in Dedham Square and serves up good quality coffee in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to try one of the specialty lattes such as the Bumblebee. This one has hazelnut and honey in it for just the right amount of sweetness. If it's warm out, the iced coffee is also a great choice, and you can also get a huge cold brew for just $4. The Wi-Fi in the coffee shop is lightning fast, and you are welcome to stay as long as you want. Check out these coffee shops and cafes near Norwood. Whether you need a quick cup to go on your way to work, or you want to stay and relax, you can get your coffee fix. Image by Zacharias Korsalka is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Boston, Massachusetts, was built in 1630, and it's one of the oldest cities in the United States. The city is full of historic sites, and its Freedom Trail always attracts many people from all over the U.S. If you are going there any time soon, here are three fun and educational activities in Boston, MA that your kids will definitely love. The Freedom Trail Boston played a big role during the American Revolution that took place between 1765 and 1783. It has many ancient buildings and historic sites that will educate your kids about American history. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is one of Boston's major attractions, and it connects 16 historic sites including Boston Common, Boston Massacre Site, Park Street Church, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Granary Burying Ground, and the USS Constitution warship, which was launched in 1797. The Boston Common is the start point of the Freedom Trail, and it's the oldest public park in the U.S. Until 1830, the park was mainly used for grazing livestock, and it was the main location in the area for Puritanical punishments. In addition to the wooden stocks, whipping post, and pillory that were there, pirates and witches were hanged from the Great Elm, which was a tree that stood in the middle of the park until 1876. New England Aquarium The New England Aquarium aims to protect the oceans from harmful materials that lead to the extinction of many species. The aquarium has already helped many endangered species survive and thrive, and it's a great place where your children can learn how to help in order to save endangered sea creatures. Moreover, there is an IMAX theatre that regularly shows movies and documentaries about threatened sea creatures and the oceans. As for the activities, your kids will get a chance to feed the penguins and see over 600 species. Boston's Children Museum Boston's Children Museum has many daily educational activities for kids that include KidStage Plays, Art Studio, Fishing 101, Martin's Park, Science Playground, and the Japanese House. For example, Martin's Park is right next to the museum, and it features an outdoor space that's created to let children interact with nature and enhance their exploration skills. The park has many stones, plants, and wooden materials, and it's one of the best places where children can connect with each other and with nature. The Japanese House will let your children experience Japan's customs, traditions, ceremonies, art, and architecture. The Science Playground is the perfect activity if you want your kids to explore natural phenomena and materials like shells, rocks, gravity, bubbles, and magnets. The museum also has weekly activities including Drum Circle Bucket Drumming, Stories Aloud, Family Yoga, and STEAM Family Workshops. Boston is full of educational and fun activities that your kids will love. In addition to its historic sites and ancient buildings, its children museum and aquarium will change the way your kids look at nature and the universe. Make sure to plan your trip in advance if you are coming for a short visit. Image by angela n. is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Boasting one of the oldest and largest Chinatown districts, downtown Boston, Massachusetts, has numerous authentic Chinese restaurants where you can chow down on the best dumplings, dim sum, and Kung Pao chicken, and other favorites. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, authentic, or a little different, Boston has you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the best five Chinese restaurants in the Boston area. Golden Temple Located on Beacon Street in Brookline, Golden Temple seems to transform itself depending on the day and time. During the week, the restaurant feels like a serene temple that serves the finest in American-Chinese cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list. On weekend nights, however, the establishment turns into a bar, complete with a DJ spinning Top 40 hits. When it comes to the menu, the restaurant offers an extensive selection featuring hormone-free meat for its ribs and crispy orange beef. Specialties include ginger Chilean sea bass, Chardonnay chicken, and ginger scallion lobster. Another popular dish is the shoa-mai, which is a traditional Asian dish of steamed dumplings. Gourmet Dumpling House Found on Beach Street, the Gourmet Dumpling House is a favorite among local chefs, especially when it comes to its house-made dumplings. These dumplings come steamed or pan-fried, and the restaurant fills them with numerous options, including fish and shrimp, pork and cabbage, and chicken and cabbage. Its menu also highlights some Szechuan-based dishes, including the chilled spicy pork ears and spicy salt and pepper shrimp. House of Chang Located on Concord Avenue in Cambridge, House of Chang has a menu that features Taiwanese, Mandarin, and Szechuwan fare. Everything is cooked fresh to order, which allows you to receive fresher, lighter flavors. Order the spicy Taiwanese mushroom salad or the fiery volcano chicken, which the restaurant marinates, fries, and then combines with five spices. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. New Shanghai At its location on Hudson Street in the heart of Chinatown, New Shanghai offers authentic Chinese cuisine specializing in Beijing- and Szechwan-style cooking. Diners come to this restaurant for its dumplings, which are available either steamed or friend, and its buns. Before enjoying your main course, dig into an array of cold appetizers, including dishes that are pickled, salted, and smoked. The restaurant encourages customers to order from both sides of the menu. Szechwan dishes include twice-cooked pork belly and rabbit hot pot. Beijing specialties include braised pork loin or the leek case, which is a pastry turnover stuffed with scrambled eggs and leeks. Taiwan Cafe To get to Taiwan Cafe on Oxford Street, you have to venture down a side street and up a flight of stairs. But don't let the difficult location deter you. The restaurant's sprawling menu features more than 100 items so there's bound to be something for everyone. If you're feeling adventurous, try the duck tongue or pork intestine. Walking the streets of Boston's Chinatown can flood you with aromas of garlic, fish sauce, and soy. Try the food at these five Chinese restaurants, and you will enjoy flavorful and fresh cuisine. Image by Jeremy Keith is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

There's nothing better than enjoying a fresh-from-the-oven, warm slice of bread, croissant, or other pastry. The Boston, Massachusetts, area has an abundance of bakeries, but finding the best ones can be a bit elusive. Read through this list of bakeries in Boston, MA, and get ready to enjoy some delicious treats. Cheryl Ann's Bakery Based out of Brookline on Roxbury Parkway, Cheryl Ann's Bakery was founded in 1985 by two sisters and their mother. Many of the current employees are members of the women's extended family. The bakery sells Jewish pastries including bread, challah, turnovers, muffins, pies, and cakes. If you're looking for a bakery that serves Kosher goods, the bakery is certified Pareve and Pas Yisroel under the Orthodox supervision. It's also 100 percent dairy and trans-fat free. Clear Flour Bread Found on the Brighton-Brookline border, Clear Flour Bread is a European-style bakery that specializes in authentic pastries from Italy and France. Simple ingredients are used for these authentic breads: just flour, water, salt, and yeast. All its flours are unbleached and unbromated, and its rye, whole wheat, buckwheat, and seven-grain blend are stone ground and organic. One of its more popular items is the currant donut, which the bakery oftentimes sells out of. The donut is based on a rare Swiss recipe and is baked, not fried. Mike's Pastry Located in Boston's historic North End on Hanover Street, Mike's Pastry has been in business since 1946. Michael Mercogliano presided over the shop since 1946 and handed off the operations to his stepson Angelo Papa. But the bakery continues to prepare one-of-a-kind cannoli that keeps tourists and the locals coming back. Other delicacies include almond biscotti, macaroons, wedding cookies, and ricotta pie. Customers walk out of the bakery with its signature white box adorned with bright blue font and secured with a string bow. This Italian bakery recently expanded to Cambridge's Harvard Square and Somerville's Assembly Row. The good news is that even if you don't live in the area, the bakery ships its pastries across the country. Modern Pastry Shop A family-owned and operated bakery located on Hanover Street in Boston and on Salem Street in Medford, Modern Pastry Shop is spearheaded by three generations of chefs who use more than 150 years of Italian recipes and experience. Created more than 70 years ago, the bakery sells handcrafted cakes, candies, cookies, and other pastries using the finest and freshest ingredients. Even if you're not local, the bakery can ship its goods to you. However, no products with chocolate will be shipped to areas that have temperatures higher than 70 degrees. The North End location has the Modern Underground, where you can get a cocktail with your dessert. If you do head to either of the two stores, though, keep in mind that they both only accept cash. The Boston area has some of the best pastries around. Any of these four bakeries are bound to leave you with a smile on your face and a full stomach. Image by Arnold Gatilao is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0