Inside the Latest Issue of Presence Magazine
Massachusetts has a way of rewarding people who slow down and look closely: at a 300-year-old doorway, a plate of just-shucked oysters, a stretch of coastline that looks much like it did a century ago. That’s the spirit behind this issue of Presence Magazine: a tour through the homes, history, food, and traditions that make this stretch of New England worth calling home.
Exceptional Homes Across Cape Cod, the South Coast, and Boston
This issue’s real estate collection, curated by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties, spans an expansive collection of listings — from a waterfront compound in Hyannis Port with private beach access, to a South Coast Colonial set on two acres of countryside, to a floor-to-ceiling-windowed residence in the South End. Each property reflects the character of its community, offering a glimpse into the diverse lifestyles found across Cape Cod, the South Coast, and Greater Boston. If you’re browsing rather than buying, it’s still a good way to get a feel for what different corners of the state actually look like up close.
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
With the nation having just marked its semiquincentennial this year, we went looking for the places where that history is still standing. Plymouth Rock, small and unassuming as it is, remains the spot where the story most Americans learn first began. Boston’s Freedom Trail — 2.5 miles of red brick connecting 16 historic sites — draws more than 4 million visitors a year and turns a walk through downtown into a walk through the Revolution. In Provincetown, where the Pilgrims actually landed before Plymouth, the Pilgrim Monument climbs 252 feet as the tallest all-granite structure in the country. And the USS Constitution, still afloat in Charlestown after 229 years, is a reminder that some of this history isn’t behind glass; you can walk its deck. Inside, we take a fuller look at these landmarks and a few others worth the trip.
A Walk Along Boston’s Waterfront
The Harborwalk runs 43 miles along Boston’s edge, threading through neighborhoods that don’t otherwise have much in common — historic Charlestown, the fast-moving Seaport District, the North End, South Boston’s waterfront — and giving each one a shared front porch on the harbor. Along the way: public art installations, working marinas, and quiet benches where you can watch the ferries come in. It’s one of the few walks in the city where the view changes every ten minutes. Inside, we explore some of its most memorable stretches and the experiences that make each one unique.
Historic Homes with Timeless Appeal
A Boston brownstone, a Cape Cod sea captain’s home, and a South Coast waterfront estate may look very different, but they share one thing in common: timeless appeal. This feature explores why buyers continue to seek out historic homes and how thoughtful updates can preserve their architectural character while supporting modern living. From original craftsmanship to contemporary comforts, discover why these properties remain some of Massachusetts’ most desirable homes.
Savoring Cape Cod’s Coastal Cuisine
Ask five people for their favorite Cape Cod restaurant and you’ll get five different answers, which is part of the appeal. This issue’s dining feature tracks down what’s actually driving the Cape’s food scene right now: oyster bars like Mac’s Shack in Wellfleet, where the day’s catch can be on the table within hours of harvest, farm-to-table spots built around whatever local growers have ready that week, chefs at spots like The Impudent Oyster and Water Street Kitchen putting inventive spins on the clam shack classics, and a global streak coming through at places like Gypsy Sol, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar along Route 28. Inside, we round up the spots worth the drive.
A South Coast Sailing Tradition
In 2027, the Marion-Bermuda Race celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades, this iconic offshore race has connected Marion and Bermuda while celebrating adventure, maritime heritage, and community. Discover the history behind this beloved tradition and why it continues to inspire generations of sailors and spectators alike.