Once a thriving center of commerce and industry, tourists have largely avoided Fallout 4‘s Commonwealth since it was decimated by a devastating nuclear holocaust 210 years ago. But with the rebuild effort well underway, there has never been a better time for adventurous travelers to visit this diverse and vibrant region.
Eat: Street food aficionados will love Diamond City Market. One of the most popular stalls is Power Noodles, operated by a friendly Japanese-speaking robot called Takahashi. A bowl of his famous noodles will set you back around 50 bottle caps, but they’re so good you’ll want to go back for more.
Barbecue is also very popular in the Commonwealth. If you want to try a real local specialty there are plenty of spots around town where you can fire up the grill and cook your own brahmin, radstag or mole rat.
Drink: By far the most popular drink with the locals is Nuka-Cola, bottles of which can be found in vending machines around the city. But if your thirst calls for something a little harder, the centrally-located Shamrock Taphouse is the place to go. It can be a little rough around the edges – we were set upon by a sword-wielding ghoul when we went – but that’s all part of the charm.
Stay: One of the nicest places to stay in The Commonwealth is the disused Oberland Railway Station, which has been converted into a charming studio with plenty of light and gorgeous river views.
Alternatively, if you’re in the market for a real country living experience, consider a farmstay with the Abernathy family. Hosts Blake and Connie harvest bountiful crops of tatos and melons, and can always use an extra helping hand. They have a cosy caravan at the edge of their property in which you are more than welcome to stay.
See: If you have more than 24 hours, the north-eastern township of Salem is well worth a day trip. Visit the spooky Museum of Witchcraft, take a stroll along the beachfront, or climb to the top of the Kingsport lighthouse. Most of the locals are harmless, but be watchful for the occasional gunner or feral ghoul.
Buy: Shopping in the Commonwealth is still fairly limited, but there are bargains to be had if you know where to look. One of the best places to pick up that special souvenir is the Drumlin Diner, where a roaming vendor by the name of Trashcan Carla calls by every day. Carla carries everything from asbestos to firearms on the back of her trusty brahmin, and is always ready to haggle for a competitive price.
Walk: If you’re lucky enough to arrive during a patch of fine weather, there are few better things to do than take a stroll along the river which runs past the Ranger Station just south of Vault 111. The Station also offers accommodation – unfortunately during our visit the bed was occupied by a decomposing corpse.
Swim: Swimming for any extended period of time is not recommended in The Commonwealth due to the high radiation levels in the water, but there are a few pleasant spots if you ask around. A quick dip in the river which runs gently through the settlements just south of Vault 111 is extremely refreshing on a hot day.
Alternatively, you could check out The Slog – a former swimming pool which is now used as a sanctuary for friendly ghouls. Owner Arlen Glass uses the pool to harvest tarberries, but he is always happy for visitors to have a paddle in the shallow waters and try some of his healthy produce.
Do: Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from the top of Lynn Woods tower, just down the road from the Parsons State Insane Asylum.
Avoid: Feral ghouls. The last thing you want to bring home from a holiday is a crippled limb from a feral ghoul attack, and most insurers will be reluctant to cover the cost of an emergency Stimpak.
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