Massachusetts residents love their ice cream. And now the state has unveiled an "ice cream trail" map that directs people to more than 100 shops and stands that use local ingredients for their sweet treats.

Gov. Maura Healey said the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail "highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops."

"This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops, and local farm stands," she said in a statement.

Below are all the ice cream spots on the map - and we've bolded the businesses that were also favorites of our viewers in the 2021 WBZ Ice Cream Social tournament.

If you don't see your favorite ice cream shop on the list, keep in mind that this map made by the Dairy Promotion Board, Department of Agricultural Resources and tourism office shows places that use locally produced milk from the state's 95 dairy farms for their ice cream.

View the ice cream shops across MA here!

What are the Dates?

In 2024, the sales tax holiday will be on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11.

What qualifies?

The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.

What is taxed on this holiday?

Purchases by corporations or other businesses.

Purchases by individuals for business use.

What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Steam
Electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages, and
Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

What about internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Yes. An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet:

On the sales tax holiday and During Eastern Daylight Time.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.

Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?

Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday

Is there a limit to the retail value to which the sales tax holiday exemption applies?

Yes. The sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less.

What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?

If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.

What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500? Are all items eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption?

If the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.

Source: Mass.gov

It's hot! With close to 200 miles of coastline, Massachusetts boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the USA. The wide variety of beach landscapes makes the Bay State unique. Granite boulders on the North Shore are in stark contrast to the miles of wide, sandy dunes along Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket add award-winning beaches that regularly appear on "Best of" lists.

Tidal pools, seafood shacks, historic lighthouses, and impressive surf add further interest. Of course, choosing the best beach is a very personal choice, and no two people would agree, but you can save yourself some time figuring out where to go with our list of the best beaches in Massachusetts.

1. Crane Beach, Ipswich
2. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
3. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
4. Singing Beach, Manchester by the Sea
5. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
6. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
7. Head of the Meadow, Truro
8. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
9. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
10. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
11. Cisco Beach, Nantucket
12. Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans
13. Plum Island, Newburyport
14. Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
15. Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown
16. Horseneck Beach Reservation, Westport

Click here to find out more about these beaches?

Source: planeware.com

Summer can bring hot temperatures, and working or playing in the heat can be dangerous. As you head out this summer, remember to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you're far from climate-controlled environments. The good news is that you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

Protect against sunburn.

Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.

Take extra precautions with certain medications.

Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never leave anyone in a parked car.

This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F in 10 minutes. It's unsafe to leave a person or pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. Keep your car locked to prevent a child from getting inside when it is parked.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.

If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Get acclimated.

It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Be cautious if you're at increased risk.

If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure medical services are available in case of a heat emergency.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Source: mayoclinichealthsystem.org

In 2023, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States—a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion each year. Summers prove to be the worst season for vehicle theft. So, to help drivers keep their vehicles safe, NHTSA is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

Ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This Web page provides an overview of the major health problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation. Understanding these risks and taking sensible precautions will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your chances of sun-related health problems.

Sun Safety Tips

Do NOT Burn

Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.

Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds

UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.

Generously Apply Sunscreen

Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

Seek Shade

Seek shade when possible, and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand

Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Check the UV Index

The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.

Get Vitamin D Safely

Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don't seek the sun.

Source: EPA.gov

It’s hard to believe that the Fourth of July is only a short week away. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. All year long, I look forward to the parades, the picnics, and of course the fireworks. Due to safety concerns, it is illegal to set off fireworks in the Bay State. However, there are many amazing displays taking place throughout Massachusetts in July 2024. If you have been wondering, “Where is the best place to watch fireworks near me,” don’t sweat. Only In Your State has you covered with our list of the best July Fourth fireworks displays in Massachusetts.

1. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Massachusetts’ biggest Independence Day Celebration takes place at Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must-see event if you live near the city. This year’s celebration features music by The Mavericks & Kelli O’Hara, Darlene Love, and the spectacular Boston Pops. The Fireworks explode over the Charles on July 4 starting at 8 p.m., but if you want to snag a seat, you will want to come much earlier in the day.

2. Plymouth 4th of July

Is there a more patriotic place to celebrate the Fourth than Plymouth? The city hosts an all-day Plymouth 4th of July celebration on the Fourth with a 5K road race, a colorful holiday parade, food trucks, and a concert by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. The jaw-dropping fireworks display takes place at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park and begins around 9:15 p.m.

3. Star Spangled Springfield

Star Spangled Springfield has been going strong since 1991. This family-friendly celebration takes place in 2024 on the Fourth from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come to Riverfront Park for an evening of music, entertainers, food, and fun. The fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. and are free to view.

4. Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

The patriotic fun in Salem takes place at Salem’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Children’s activities kick off the celebration at 4 p.m. and are followed by some fantastic live music, opening ceremonies, a concert by the 40-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and a fireworks extravaganza starting at 9:15 p.m. There is no fee to view the fireworks and concert.

5. Fall River Fireworks Display

For a unique fireworks experience, be sure to attend the Fall River Fireworks Display celebration at Battleship Cove in Fall River. During this special event, you will be able to view the colorful sky from the deck of the battleship USS Massachusetts. The fun takes place on the night of the Fourth. The gates will be open from 7:30-8:45 p.m. The admission price is $15 per person (children under two are free). Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

6. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024

The town of Amherst will be celebrating America’s birthday early this year. Amherst Independence Day Fireworks And Celebration 2024 will take place on July 2 at UMass Amherst’s McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with lawn games, live entertainment, and food trucks. Fireworks begin at dusk. This event is free (including parking) for all.

7. Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration

Enjoy three nights of fireworks this year at Six Flags New England. The Six Flags New England July 4th Firework Celebration displays will take place at 9:30 p.m. July 4-6, 2024. Spend the day riding the coasters and other amusements and then sit back and relax and view the show. Admission to the display is included in your regular Six Flags ticket. However, you can rent Premium Fireworks Seating for an additional fee.

8. Falmouth Fireworks

The Falmouth Fireworks celebration is considered one of the most spectacular displays in all of the nation! This magnificent volunteer-run event takes place on the Fourth at 8:30 p.m. at Falmouth Heights Beach. Attending this classic oceanfront event is always a great way to kick off a summer on the Cape.

Be sure to check individual event pages for the most up-to-date information as the weather may impact dates and times. And don’t forget to pack a comfy blanket to lie on while you gaze up at the magnificent light show in the sky.

Source: onlyinyourstate.com

Pros Of Owning A Condo

Here are some of the reasons why you’d choose condos over traditional homes:

Low Maintenance Living

As a condo owner, you benefit from low-maintenance living because the homeowners’ association (HOA) takes care of its upkeep. This means you won’t have to worry about mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or repairing roofs. These tasks fall to those owning traditional single-family homes.

The HOA also maintains common areas such as hallways, elevators, and pools. This arrangement allows you to enjoy your home life minus the cumbersome list of maintenance chores.

Security

Another advantage of owning a condo is the enhanced security features that come with it. Many condominium complexes offer security services such as gated entries, 24-hour surveillance cameras, and on-site security personnel. These features can provide you with peace of mind, especially if you live alone or travel often.

Living in close proximity to neighbors can also increase overall safety. There’s always someone to keep an eye on things when you’re not around. This means fewer worries about break-ins or property damage, even if you’re not home.

Opportunities To Meet New People

Condo living naturally fosters a strong sense of community that can lead to new socializing opportunities for residents. Common spaces, such as pools, fitness centers, and lounges, increase the chances of crossing paths with neighbors more often than in a single-family home setting.

This constant interaction can quickly turn casual hellos into meaningful relationships. Most condo communities also organize social events and activities. This gives you an excellent chance to meet new people and build your social network in the comfort of your living space.

Amenities

One of the most appealing benefits of condo living is the access to a range of amenities that might be costly or impractical to have in a single-family home. Most condos feature swimming pools, fitness centers, or a rooftop patio. These facilities elevate your lifestyle and provide you with leisure and fitness options at your doorstep.

Build Equity

Owning a condo means investing in your financial future through building equity. Unlike rent, which offers no return on investment, every mortgage payment you make on your condo is a step toward full ownership.

Over time, as you pay down your mortgage, the equity—the portion of your property that you truly ‘own’—increases. As the value of the condo appreciates, so does your investment. This equity can become a financial springboard for you, serving as an asset for future real estate ventures.

Cons Of Owning A Condo

Here are some of the downsides to owning a condo:

HOA Rules

Homeowners’ association (HOA) rules can significantly affect your lifestyle in a condo. Condo owners must comply with the HOA’s regulations. These regulations may dictate everything from the color you can paint your door to the types of vehicles you can park in your spot.

HOA restrictions can be limiting, especially if you value personal expression and freedom in your living space. Consider whether you can adhere to these rules before committing to a condo. Non-compliance can result in fines or other penalties.

Can Be Hard To Sell

If the HOA fees are high or if there have been recent assessments, prospective buyers might be deterred. You may also face restrictions on marketing your property. Buyers must often be approved by the HOA, extending the selling process.

Condo Association Fees

In addition to your mortgage and property taxes, condo association fees can be expensive. These fees go towards maintaining and repairing common areas, amenities, and the building’s exterior.

Consider these fees before buying a condo as they can significantly affect your monthly budget. You’ll have to pay the fees whether you use the shared amenities or not.

Lack Of Privacy

Condo living often means close quarters with neighbors, leading to a potential lack of privacy. You might hear your neighbors’ conversations, their music, or other noises through the walls, floors, or ceilings.

Large windows and balconies can also mean your life is more visible to those around you. Evaluating your comfort with proximity and shared spaces is important, as these aspects are an intrinsic part of the condo lifestyle.

Source:hudsoncondos.com

June is National Safety Month. While no one should live in constant fear, it is important to be alert and to know how to act fast in unsafe situations. Check out the safety tips below to increase your chances of safety and even survival in emergent situations.

1. Money Safety

Hide money in unexpected objects while traveling. Some great suggestions are chapstick tubes, lotion bottles, empty deodorant sticks, and even feminine hygiene products

Be sure to always secure your purse when shopping. Buckle the strap around your shopping cart, or even better—simply keep your purse or wallet on your person.

Memorize or save the cancellation numbers for all your cards.

2. Home Security

Keep your spare keys in creative places. Everyone knows to check under your doormat, inside your mailbox, or underneath that unique-looking rock by your porch.

Change all the locks when you move to a new home. You never know who previous tenants gave spare keys to.

Try to make it look like someone is home when you’re on vacation. Some signs that let thieves know you’re gone are packages or flyers left on the porch, an overgrown lawn, and trash cans that remain full on trash day. Consider asking a neighbor you trust to pick up your mail while you are gone and to roll out your trash cans on trash day. If you’re going to be gone for an especially long time, consider hiring someone to mow your lawn. And of course, you can always place a “Beware of dog” sign on your property.

Lock all your doors at night and whenever you leave the house. ALL of them. ALWAYS.

3. Self Defense

Head butts are more powerful than fists.

The most vulnerable places to hit an attacker are their groin, eyes, and ears.

If you are impaled, don’t pull the object out on your own. It is keeping blood from pouring out.

When calling for help, call out to specific people i.e., “Hey, you in the red shirt!”

It is a good idea to carry pepper spray.

Hitting the lock button on an iPhone five times in a row allows you to send an SOS signal to the police.

Take note of all the exits in every building you enter.

4. Water Safety

Always wear sunscreen outdoors, especially in the summer and especially around water.

Never swim alone.

You can use your pants as a life preserver in water by tying the ends and filling them with air.

If you are caught in a riptide, swim parallel to the shore while calling for help.

5. Car Safety

ALWAYS wear a seatbelt.

Reduce your speed in poor weather conditions.

If you slide on ice, lift your foot from the brake and use your steering wheel to guide your vehicle in the direction it is sliding.

Hit the brakes for deer but avoid sharp swerving—it’s better to hit the deer head-on than to roll your car.

Lock your car doors immediately upon leaving or entering your car. Don’t linger in parking garages and be alert in parking lots and garages (no earphones, and don’t be glued to your phone screen)

Be wary of people sitting in cars parked directly next to yours, especially in otherwise empty lots

If you think you are being followed, drive to a police station.

6. Travel Safety

Travel with a buddy whenever possible.

Avoid walking through or next to dark alleyways or places where people can easily hide.

Stay alert when traveling. Don’t use earphones or stare at your phone. Look passersby in the eyes. Single women might consider wearing a ring that looks like a wedding ring.

7. Fire Safety

Make sure to test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the “test button.” Change smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and every time the detectors make a chirping sound. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors every time you move into a new home.

If your home catches fire, get out, stay out, and immediately call for help.

Create a predetermined fire escape plan for your family. Discuss exits and a designated escape area outdoors. Make sure the escape area is at a safe distance from the house.

8. Online Safety

Don’t overshare online.

Don’t post photos that give away your address, such as photos with your house number in the background.

Don’t ever share personal information when chatting online with strangers.

Don’t post information about your income on social media.

Don’t click on unknown links or download unknown photos.

9. Missing Person Protocol

Call 911 immediately after a person is determined to be missing. The notion that a person must be missing for 24 hours before a police search may begin is a myth.

It is particularly important to call 911 immediately after a child goes missing. Even if you keep searching the house or public area the child went missing from, it’s much better to risk the embarrassment of finding the child before police arrive than to not get the police involved in time. If your child goes missing in a store or public place, ask employees to stand by all exits to make sure no one leaves with a child that matches your child’s description while you continue to search. Get everyone you possibly can to call out your child’s name. Not only does this increase the chances of your child responding, but it may also alarm an abductor and cause them to release the child.

Make sure children memorize their address (including zip code), and parents’ phone numbers in case of an emergency.

Note that most children are abducted by people they already know. Teach children not only about stranger danger but about appropriate vs. inappropriate adult behaviors. It’s a great idea to establish a “password” that babysitters must know before picking children up from school.

10. Natural Disaster Safety

Should you find yourself in an earthquake, crawl under a sturdy table or another sturdy piece of furniture. Avoid glass, windows, and any items that can fall.

Should you find yourself in a tornado, head to the basement or a room without windows on the lowest level of your home. Cover yourself with a sleeping bag or mattress, and wear safety goggles if you have them on hand.

Pay attention to all flood warnings. Tie down outdoor items like grills, trash cans, and lawn chairs. Be prepared to evacuate. Have at least one gallon of clean water on hand for every person and pet in the household. Turn off all utilities before evacuating.

It’s a good idea to always have at least two weeks’ worth of food storage available.

Source: motivhealth.com

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Condo

• Condos represent a community form of ownership.
• In addition to your monthly mortgage payment, local property taxes (in most areas), and insurance costs, you will pay a condo fee, also referred to as “homeowners’ association” (HOA) dues or fees.
• Your lender will factor in the condo fee in determining how much of a loan you can qualify for. And, like detached homes, if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price, you may also have to pay PMI or private mortgage insurance each month-which is generally cancellable once you have more than 20% equity in your home.
• Your monthly income, credit history, and monthly debts – the “home-buying basics” — help determine your mortgage eligibility.

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Professional, Lender, and Condo Association

To help you learn more about purchasing a condo, here are some questions you may want to ask or research.

Remember, this is only a partial list to help you get started. If you have questions, ask your lender, real estate professional, real estate attorney, or the officers of the condo’s HOA. You may also find it helpful to do some online research.

In most cases, you have a limited period to review the condo documents after the seller accepts your purchase contract. Talk to your real estate professional, know your rights—and, if necessary, consult a real estate attorney.

• How much can you afford to spend on a condo? Your lender will look at what your total monthly housing costs would be, taking into consideration the condo fee, property taxes, PMI (if applicable), plus the principal and interest payments on your mortgage loan. One of the best ways to determine how much you can afford is to get pre-qualified before you go condo shopping-ask your lender how.
• What are your legal rights and obligations under the condo bylaws? As a prospective purchaser, you will receive a copy of the condo bylaws and other documents to review so you understand the rules about remodeling, leasing your unit, fees, penalties, parking restrictions, pet ownership, and other obligations. If you have any questions, you should talk with an officer of the condo association or a real estate attorney with experience in your area.
• What is included in the condominium fee? Are utilities, hazard insurance premiums, or real estate taxes paid directly by homeowners, or are they included in the condo fee? Is there on-site property management?
• Is parking deeded and/or assigned? Are there spaces for visitors? How many parking spaces are provided for the unit you want to purchase? Can spaces be purchased?
• How are officers elected to the condo board or HOA?
• How frequently are elections held? What are the qualifications to run for office? How long do officers serve? Are there term limits?
• What kinds of modifications to the unit are allowed? Is there a committee that reviews and approves changes?
• Can you talk to some owners in the community or building? What is it like living there? For example, is maintenance handled well? Is there much turnover? Are there concerns about noise levels or other problems?
• What is the remaining useful life of the community or building’s major components? These components include the roof(s), sewer and water pipes outside individual units, parking lots or garages, elevators, and other major building infrastructure. Is there a potential impact on the value of your condo?
• How much is in the cash reserve fund for future repairs? Are there any pending assessments or major repair projects that currently exceed the repair fund? Has the HOA’s accountant offered recommendations, or has the HOA obtained a study on the adequacy of the cash reserve fund? Having adequate funds for both routine maintenance and cash reserves for major repairs or unexpected costs is critical. Suppose necessary repair costs exceed the available funds. In that case, a special assessment can be imposed on all unit owners in the condo project, requiring a one-time payment or increasing the monthly condo fee for a period of time. Ask if the condo has any history of special assessments.
• Does the master property insurance policy cover full replacement costs? Does the policy have a building ordinance clause to cover expenses associated with bringing the building up to code in the event rebuilding is required?
• Does the master insurance policy cover the interior of the units as well as the “common elements” used by all residents? If not, you will probably be required under the terms of your mortgage financing to purchase and maintain an insurance policy to cover your condo’s interior, commonly known as an “HO-6” policy.
• Is the complex renter-friendly? If you are looking at your condo as a long-term investment, you may not want any restrictions on your future ability to rent out or sublease the unit. But if you plan to make the condo your long-time residence, you may prefer that owner- occupancy is high, so you’ll be living among property owners (like you!). Inquire about all terms and conditions by which you can rent your unit, as there may be seasonal or other restrictions.
• Ask to see the minutes from recent association meetings. This may help you identify the current “hot button” issues and see how they are being addressed.

Source: mortgageone.com