Heading up north for a snow day? Bookmark these three new spots.
Joejoebob’s
Get your lunch fix at this craft sandwich shop that chef Joe Rodger (formerly of Shift Kitchen and Tinderbox) opened in summer 2024. Regular sandwiches like the spicy Italian, tuna escabeche, and beef and Boursin hold court with daily specials like a mushroom falafel melt and house-smoked salmon on everything-bagel focaccia. Yummy topping-laden toasts, salads, soups and cookies, too. joejoebobs.com
Chocolita
Chase your craft sandwiches with craft chocolate made by herbalist Sarah Ann Lesslie. The non-dairy chocolatier expanded her cacao company last year, adding a downtown Flag storefront to her original kitchen and shop on the east side of town. Lesslie imbues each of her botanical confections with an intention, from Morning Matcha for energy to Pine Pollen & Lemon for power. chocolita.com
Lowell Observatory
Arizona’s premier astronomy destination – where Pluto was discovered in 1930 – opened more than 125 years ago, so it’s not usually making “new” lists. That changed this past November with the opening of The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. The 40,000-square-foot museum marks a new era of engagement for the observatory, with interactive exhibits for kids and an open-sky viewing area suitable even for this time of year – its reclining seats are heated. lowell.edu
