Kathleen Kiely

Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or enjoy them as an indulgent treat; few foods inspire as much devotion as the donut. Across New England, generations of bakers have perfected the art of fried dough, creating everything from classic glazed favorites to inventive specialty flavors. Ever tried a potato donut? From beloved neighborhood institutions to destination-worthy bakeries, these stories celebrate the people, traditions, and sweet creations that keep donut lovers coming back for more.

New England's love for cheese goes far beyond the dairy aisle. Across the region, passionate cheesemakers are crafting everything from fresh goat cheese and aged specialties to innovative plant-based alternatives. From family-run farms and artisan creameries to gourmet grilled cheese, charcuterie classes, and over-the-top comfort food creations, these stories showcase the people helping New England earn its place as a destination for cheese lovers.

Quincy, Mass., known as the "City of Presidents," offers a Presidential Food Tour that combines the city's rich history with its vibrant culinary scene. "So, John Adams, who was our second president, and his son John Quincy Adams, who was our sixth president, they were actually born in Braintree, but Braintree became part of Quincy," said guide Roberta Allison. Allison leads the tour. "Quincy is a city that is extremely rich in history and has some excellent restaurants," she said.