Safari #37: What the Fluff?

Marshmallow fluff is the Nutella of New England.  As an Ohio-raised transport to Boston, my first thought upon encountering fluff was, "You're supposed to eat that with peanut butter?"

If you're looking for a venue to help assist you in dismissing your predisposition to fluff, head to the annual Somerville Fluff Festival in Union Square and sample the traditional fluffernutter (a sandwich with peanut butter and fluff) or a multitude of fluff-inspired confections like whoopie pies, smores, and beer - yes, beer.  The Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project (Somerville, MA) served it's flagship brew this year with a topping of malted fluff and called it the Fluffelmouse.

Even if you're not open to sampling fluff, the festival is a great place for people watching and reveling in good, old-fashioned Americana.  Costume and food contests, live bands, and children's activities keep Union Square abuzz for hours.



Tips:

• Just Do It.  A fluffernutter is $2, so there's no harm is taking a little bite.  
• Take public transport.  With the road closures and increased traffic, your best bet (where possible) is to let the MBTA buses transport you there.
• Bring your camera.  With all of the excitement and costumes, this is a great place to people watch.  I really enjoyed the vintage T-shirts pulled out just for this occasion.

*Images graciously borrowed from http://unionsquaremain.org/tag/fluff-festival/