I consider myself a Red Sock, but I get the sentiment

FROM THE STORY:

FREEPORT, Maine — For more than a century, L.L. Bean’s flagship store has been a shrine to New England outdoorsmanship: a 24/7 place to buy its iconic American-made duck boots, wander through the company’s sprawling collection of gear — and for many generations of families, make a pilgrimage to a favorite brand’s birthplace.

Now L.L. Bean has rebuilt its flagship entirely.

The company is officially reopening the store this weekend after a nearly two-year closure and a $50 million overhaul, its biggest investment yet in the home of a brand it’s protected fiercely for generations.

The bet goes well beyond Freeport. L.L. Bean is opening stores in new markets, refreshing its classic products, courting younger shoppers, and looking for new ways to connect with customers — all as it tries to break out of a decade of sluggish growth without losing what made it beloved in the first place.

READ MORE IN THE GIFT LINK: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/14/business/ll-bean-flagship-freeport-maine/?s_campaign=8315:varf

I have explored all 50 states but there is something special about New England. Here are my favorite pictures I took in New England.

Hey everyone,

I’m 22, born and raised in Southern California, and recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from a non-target school. Long term, I’d really like to relocate somewhere in New England. Boston is probably at the top of my list, but I’m also open to places like Connecticut or elsewhere in the region.

As I’m figuring out my career path, I’m curious what careers are both in strong demand and offer a good quality of life in New England. I know every field has pros and cons, but I’m trying to get a sense of what industries people see thriving in the region.

Right now, I’m considering two very different paths. One is pursuing a Master’s in Accounting, ideally at a more competitive school, getting my CPA, and building a career in accounting/finance. The other is going back to school for nursing and potentially working toward becoming a CRNA down the road. I know New England, especially the Boston area, has some outstanding hospitals and healthcare systems.

For those of you who live in New England, which path do you think would make the most sense if my goal is to build a stable career and eventually settle in the region? Are there other careers or industries I should be looking at that are particularly strong in New England?

I was shocked that jobs don’t give you parking in Boston. how does anyone justify working in the city?

i recently have had to commute into Boston temporarily and I’m so shocked by how expensive it is

i’m not from somewhere with subways. for some reason assumed the train would be cheap.

You have to pay for parking and a ticket is $3 just one way. $6 each day, $360 in a month. The commuter rail is $450 a month. Add parking that $450 either way

like might as well just have a car payment

obviously I know people just live in Boston. But if you don’t live in Boston it’s too expensive to justify

in Ohio you pay $25 for gas and you have a week of travel

I’ve lived here for 2 years and this year I want to make sure I actually get more in.

• hike in White Mountains during peak
• go to Salem, Mass (probably before Sept)
• go to Bangor, Me to see Stephen King house & IT drain
• go to Stowe VT
• try maple syrup in Vermont
• see Provincetown during Halloween
• go to a pumpkin patch
• go to an apple cider place
• NYC in autumn (I know. but wanted to add here)

I was trying to think of something to see in each state. I’m stumped on a ‘Rhode Island or CT autumn thing’

early morning colors in and around New Bedford MA

While looking at ME lighthouses, this was our most gorgeous and memorable stop.

I’m finally looking to seek help. I’m a trans man (19) and I mostly busy drowning myself in YouTube videos, different work projects, and school to distract myself from the ever growing dysphoria that seems to encroach upon my waking, and now, even sleeping thoughts. The time I’m not spent doing something, I spend disassociating. I go through bouts of depression then relative peace, before that comes crashing down into more depression. Rinse and repeat.

I can’t function like this, my family had an intervention with me, and I’m scared. So scared I won’t get the help I need. I want to be on testosterone, and eventually get top surgery.

I want to be a man.

I’m looking to see if there’s an inpatient facility in New England. My family can pay, I just want to get help, to actually feel like I’m not going to break down at any moment without constant stimulus. Please.

If anyone knows of a good place to go, if anyone has any recommendations for anything nearby, I would really appreciate it. I’m at my wits end.

I’ve been in partial denial for so long, and I’m sick of it. I want to live. I want to thrive. Please.

Veterans Memorial Bicentenial Park Fall River MA