Fall is right around the corner but here at Matter, we’re still hanging on to those last few days of summer. While we always have the perk of working from home on Fridays, we also get to head out at 2pm on from Memorial Day to Labor Day, assuming all client work is taken care of. This lets us get the most out of our summers (which I wholeheartedly endorse!). I know what you’re thinking – with that extra free time, we must be less productive. But in fact, it’s the opposite. According to an NBC News interview, employees will work harder during normal business hours to enjoy some extra time off. It’s no wonder that 42% of companies surveyed by tech research firm, Gartner, now offer this incentive.
With Matter offices located from coast to coast, we wanted to highlight our warm weather traditions by rounding up some of our favorite Summer Friday spots. Pack up your laptop, grab some sunscreen, and see below for our suggestions to experience summer in Newburyport, MA, Boston, MA, Portland, OR, Boulder, CO, and Providence, RI like a local:
Plum Island and Metzy’s Cantina- Newburyport, MA
Here in Newburyport, we love to soak up our coastal surroundings. With gorgeous beaches and the unique wildlife of Plum Island just a short drive away from our headquarters, you can wrap up your work day and head to the shore with plenty of sunshine left to enjoy. After some relaxation, we like finish off the successful work week at Metzy’s Cantina (a staff favorite) for some well-deserved tacos and margaritas!
Downeast Cider and Assembly Row – Boston, MA
What better way to unwind at the end of the week than with some seasonal craft cider and a little retail therapy? McKenzie in our Boston office likes to head over to New England’s very own Downeast Cider in East Boston. If you’re still in summer mode, try the Aloha Friday cider but if you’re ready for fall, Pumpkin Blend is up for grabs! After you’ve had your cider fix, McKenzie recommends shopping with a view at Assembly Row in Somerville, located adjacent to Mystic River.
Vanuatu Coffee Roasters and Roger Williams Park – Providence, RI
Kaitlyn in our Providence office recommends Vanuatu as a tried and true Summer Friday option. Vanuatu sets itself apart by serving up one of the rarest coffees on the planet – it’s grown from soil comprised of volcanic ash from the South Pacific. At this café, you can rely on a steady stream of delicious iced coffee or chai to power you through the short work day. If you take your coffee to go, end your day by strolling around Roger Williams Park’s picturesque lakes and gardens.
The Flatirons and Rayback Collective – Boulder, CO
Leia from our Boulder office loves all the outdoor activities that Boulder has to offer. On a sunny Friday afternoon, Leia recommends visiting The Flatirons: beautiful, unique sandstone formations that visitors can explore or just marvel at. For a little R&R, our Boulder team frequents Rayback Collective, an indoor/outdoor bar with food trucks, games, and plenty of seating. If you have to get some work done, why not do it outside with a drink in hand while still making sure your client’s needs are met?
Barista and Sniff Dog Hotel – Portland, OR
Nick, based in our Portland, OR office enjoys spending his Fridays working from one of Portland’s best coffee spots, Barista. Strong coffee and a strong WiFi connection are all you need to get through the day, right? After work, Nick likes to head to Puppy Happy Hour with his dog, Beau, at Sniff Dog Hotel. Yes, you read that right – puppy happy hour! Sniff Dog Hotel offers happy hour specials for humans while your pup gets to mingle with new furry pals at the dog park.
We like to work hard and play hard at Matter. Summer Fridays allow us to maintain that optimal level of work life balance while boosting our overall productivity. How do you like to spend your Summer Fridays while working remotely?
To learn more about the perks of working with Matter, visit our careers page.