Haute Secrets Boston: WCVB-TV News Anchor Maria Stephanos

You won’t find a more refreshingly genuine broadcast reporter than Maria Stephanos.

As the nighttime anchor of NewsCenter 5 (at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.), Stephanos first made a household name for herself as longtime anchor at FOX 25 before making the move over to WCVB-TV last year.

Throughout her 25-year journalism career, the Massachusetts native has covered some of Boston’s most unforgettable news events, including the historic Red Sox World Series wins, New England Patriots’ Super Bowl wins, the long-awaited capture and ultimate trial of Whitey Bulger, the death of beloved Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings (reporting live from the scene where she and her kids were watching her husband run).

Photo Credit: Maria Stephanos

Though Stephanos has interviewed Boston’s biggest names in politics, sports and entertainment, what really connects her to her viewers is her down-to-earth personality and authentic connection to Bostonians that continue to shine through in her nightly broadcasts.

Photo Credit: Maria Stephanos

We recently caught up with Stephanos to find out where she goes for a romantic stroll, her all-around favorite haute spot, and what she loves most about Boston.

Where were you born: Haverhill, Massachusetts

How long in Boston: I lived in Boston (downtown) for 10 years during college and graduate school. (She now lives in Foxboro, MA with her husband and kids).

Neighborhood: A TINY college apartment on Beacon Hill

Occupation: News Anchor WCVB-TV

Favorite vacation spot: Martha’s Vineyard! We rent a place every year. It’s magical.

Favorite dish to cook for your family: Anything and everything Greek! I cook on Sundays for the week.

Favorite sushi roll: Spicy salmon roll with avocado.

Favorite dessert: Put chocolate on anything and I will eat it!

Best location in Boston for a romantic stroll: The Public Garden. The weeping willows are the best!

Sunday brunch indulgence: Eggs Benedict!

Handbags, shoes or both?: Shoes. Always.

Favorite spa treatment: I can’t sit still long enough for that! I’ve tried. I rather do it at home.

 Favorite family activity: Sitting around eating. No devices. Just good food, conversation and laughter.

Charity Event/s Near and Dear to You: Make a Wish, Ellie Fund and JDRF.

Cultural Event You Enjoy Going to: I am honored every year to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Boston Pops. To be surrounded by all that talent and history and culture is the best Christmas gift ever.

Favorite Cultural Institution: Isabella Stewart Gardner. My daughter gets in free!

Go to work-out: Classes at YMCA. If I’m not injured running! No matter what the weather is.

Favorite type of massage (stone, deep tissue, etc.) : Deep tissue by my friend who also works on Patriots players. Amazing.

Museum/Exhibit you enjoy visiting: See my favorite cultural answer.

Describe Boston in three words: Sassy, smart and home!

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: I pick all the history that Boston has to offer. We are loaded!

All-around favorite spot in Boston: Fenway Park. Hands down.

Best Aspect of Boston: The people! Always the people. The most authentic on the planet.

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