Not solely have I spent a big period of time in New England however I lived within the Boston space for over a decade. Throughout that chapter of my life, We Weblog the World didn’t exist nor was I writing about journey. That mentioned, my reminiscences are recent and vivid, from enjoyable cultural and social occasions to getting misplaced in nature.
We headed again East this summer season and had been in a position to return to my favourite haunts. How a lot have they modified? Honestly, I used to be shocked at how little had modified. Let’s begin with Boston itself. Positive, there’s much less development (and disruption) than once I lived there; nevertheless, different highway work continues. We arrived late at evening, so leaping on Storrow Drive to move out to an AirBNB in Waltham was pretty stress-free (and fast) however returning to Logan was a little bit of a problem as a result of present work on the Sumner Tunnel. My staple route alongside the Charles River was a well-known one, a lot in order that I used to be on auto-pilot for many of the journey.
Southern NH close to Hampton
Fairly frankly, writing this text, after little or no journey through the quieter years of Covid, feels extra “international” than visiting my outdated stomping grounds, which embody Newton, Watertown, Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain, Walden Pond, Rockport, Gloucester, and Cape Cod (not essentially in that order).
Oh yeah, and let’s not neglect Belmont the place I lived for a stint . . . an extended one. That drive-by was a bit emotional as reminiscence after reminiscence got here pouring by way of, together with the time my ex and I watched the squirrels from our bed room window operating alongside the fence and strategized how we might deter them from mucking about in our tomato vegetation. The barbecues, yard guide group gatherings, cooking up a storm in our loud apricot ginger kitchen, and shoveling the driveway each winter. The brand new house owners (renters?) planted a vegetable backyard within the entrance and amidst squash, lettuce and peppers, just a few tall and sprightly sunflowers greeted me from the sidewalk.
There was no time to go to Nantucket this time round; nevertheless, examine our journey 8 years in the past and be sure you see the breathtaking summer season sunflowers we encountered throughout a motorbike experience. For those who do head to Nantucket or Martha’s Winery, just a few gems price exploring in Cape Cod in your manner embody Chatham, Truro and Wellfleet.
The Chatham Lighthouse in August on my earlier journey
We returned to Gloucester’s Rocky Neck and went down reminiscence lane (see our journey a few years in the past which we took in by bike). Actually, in case you evaluate the photographs, you’ll see loads of similarities: the quirkiness of the retailers, the artistic flare of the artists’ exterior studio facades, the colourful flowers in entrance of the stained-colored buildings and galleries. The weathered look from chipped paint on entrance homes, bikes, boats and cafe doorways. It was a lot quieter than I remembered.
Sailor Stan’s seems to be as if it hasn’t been alive in years.
Madfish Wharf Artist Studios & Galleries
It’s not all work as you’ll be able to see by the stained glass and pottery inside this artwork gallery bar combo.
The Salted Cod Arthouse is famend and locals will ship you there in case you speak to them lengthy sufficient.
The primary addition to our expertise this yr was a melancholy story shared by artisan Stephen Laptierre, whose work took over the biggest gallery house within the Artwork Colony. Artisans are really the breath of Rocky Neck. There’s a historical past right here and locals are rightfully pleased with that historical past, one which has drawn artists and musicians alike to arrange foot on her soil for years.
This was taken in Stephen Lapierre’s studio in August 2023
Artists have had a tough time sustaining their studios with prices hovering and fewer vacationers coming by way of. Little doubt, a part of it may be attributed to the Covid years which affected so many store house owners, eating places and cafes. That mentioned, it appeared like the problem went a lot deeper as we listened to Stephen’s insights. He lives in his studio, so the hire for his gallery is mixed together with his price to dwell—it’s the exact same house he lays his head to relaxation each evening. Under, Anthony seems to be on as he shares story after story, together with the meanings behind every of the work. What a riveting experience and but I sensed a deep disappointment, as if we had been on the point of an finish to a really particular period.
His studio was definitely eclectic and work lined each single wall, from ceiling to ground on all sides, together with the hallway main out to an exterior wood stairway that took you all the way down to the principle road. Off to the left was a sink, range and tea kettle and there was a sofa someplace within the midst of all of it if I recall. And a desk.
It’s not all artwork in Rocky Neck however the galleries are what most draw individuals to go to. There’s additionally the uncooked and genuine ambiance of crusing life throughout you, dock after dock, boat after boat . . . This distinctive treasure is located on a rocky peninsula tucked away inside Gloucester’s working harbor.
Gloucester
Rocky Neck isn’t all there’s to Gloucester. There are a number of quaint neighborhoods together with just a few procuring areas which I really like to walk. Who doesn’t love cafes, vintage shops and quaint boutiques in New England? For those who don’t, then I’d argue you won’t gel with New England. In spite of everything, it’s the connection to all issues historical (no less than by American requirements) that deliver individuals to the Northeast. Since Anthony and I grew up within the area, it was like going dwelling: the dwelling we grew up understanding by way of its distinctive smells, tastes and sights.
Teddy Bear Picnic anybody?
Rockport
A stone’s throw from Gloucester lies Rockport, and it tends to be custom to go to at any time when I’m within the space. Possibly the draw is Rockport’s acquainted toffee and ice cream retailers, or the pewter retailer I do know so effectively. Or maybe its the numerous enjoyable occasions I’ve had alongside its pedestrian walkway and the handfuls of lobsters I’ve eaten there, inside and out. Probably the most notorious picturesque views in New England could be present in Rockport though some Maine natives would possibly argue with me on that one.
As many occasions as I’ve been to Rockport, I had by no means set foot within the church on the left alongside Broadway. I by no means had a cause to; nevertheless, this time we ventured into St. Mary’s Episcopal Church out of curiosity. I had forgotten how a lot I really like outdated church buildings and cathedrals; it’s one of many issues that make meandering by way of outdated European cities so attention-grabbing. They inform a narrative: a area or metropolis’s tradition. Its historical past. Perception methods are baked into their partitions and stained glass home windows. They continue to be alive by way of the power they emit as you look on.
Included within the stained-glass home windows at St. Mary’s is a communion roll initially meant for a facet chapel, which presents a collage of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) parables. A sanctuary candle continuously burns and there’s an altar designed to be the aumbry the place the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Rockport, MA.
There are fairly just a few artwork galleries to absorb, notably Don Gorvett, Jeffrey Marshall, North Shore Arts Affiliation, Marilyn Swift, Cripple Cove Studios, Michalak Nice Artwork, Stefan Mierz Nice Artwork Studio, Ruth Mordecai, and Judythe Evans Meagher amongst quite a few others.
Rockport in all probability isn’t one of the best place to get lobster within the space, largely as a result of it’s costlier than heading just a little additional north alongside Route 1. There are many locations to get seafood, both sitting down or grabbing a cuppa New England creamy chowder to go. On the very finish of Bearskin Neck (#68 to be exact), you’ll discover My Place by the Sea and it didn’t seem like it modified in any respect for the reason that final time we had a romantic meal on their deck roughly eight years in the past. We had been planning to repeat the expertise but it surely was closed, so we headed to Fleur Delicacies Harborside on the wharf as a substitute. The ambiance was beautiful; nevertheless, the meals was solely good, not nice and the service was bit disappointing.
Clams in a broth with garlic and lemon
Basil, tomatoes and burrata
One other favourite spot is Floating Lotus. In years gone previous, we used to attend their sound baths on the highest ground. Homeowners are husband and spouse group Justin and Karin, who do an awesome job at curating distinctive gadgets. Largely from Asia, these truthful commerce gadgets vary from jewellery and tapestries, to singing bowls, garments and statues. On this go to, Anthony walked out with a stupendous labradorite ring we had been each instantly drawn to. They maintain sound experiences of their Bearskin Neck location and bigger spiritually-minded occasions at their Gloucester location alongside Major Road.
Credit score: Floating Lotus
Salem
Roughly eight years in the past, we spent a couple of month touring numerous components of New England, most of it spent in Massachusetts. You’ll want to see our write-up on Salem the place we landed by chance. We had been shocked by how a lot enjoyable we had there. For those who love historical past, are dazzled by spirituality or the occult, the American dwelling of witches will be sure you whet your urge for food. Sadly, we weren’t in a position to meet up with Lori Bruno, possible probably the most famend witch in Salem if not the nation.
She touts herself as a Hereditary Excessive Priestess and Elder of the Sicilian Strega line of the Craft of the Smart, founder and Head Mom of Our Lord and Girl of the Trinacrian Rose Church. We had been in a position to catch her by cellphone and her voice introduced us again to yesteryear and the visions we had of our time together with her in her mystical store Magika on Federal Road. With a connection to Egypt as effectively, she is a descendant of Gohar–al–Siculi, a Normal within the Fataniid Empire, who in A.D. 969 was despatched by the caliph of Baghdad to beat Egypt. In line with her, this he did after which went on to discovered Cairo. Under is a shot taken with Lori in her retailer.
We spent a number of days in Salem on our final go to, so took in a number of the witch excursions (by day and evening), segway-ed our manner by way of city, walked the cemeteries by evening, ate fabulous meals (yum – Finz Seafood & Grill) and skilled just a few motels. We additionally managed to get out on a ship, a schooner and extra. The climate didn’t cooperate this time round as we had been greeted by torrential rainfall upon arrival. The sustaining drizzly skies drove us into the large block lengthy Witch Metropolis Consignment Store by chance. Whenever you’re operating for canopy, any open retailer will do. Positioned on Essex Road, it was simply mystical and mesmerizing sufficient to maintain us busy for just a few hours whereas ready for the rain to subside. We left with two containers of goodies, all of which we shipped dwelling. If that is your “factor,” you may also wish to word different retailers price visiting, corresponding to Hex Previous World Witchery, The Cauldron Black Enchanted Store and the HausWitch Dwelling & Therapeutic.
Boston
A stroll by way of Boston’s historic district and Quincy Market was a good way to spend our closing afternoon on this outdated American metropolis. In spite of everything, Anthony had by no means been to this a part of town and I used to be curious to see how issues had modified. And naturally I ached to purchase one thing of their notorious meals corridor. On the way in which, we took a leisurely stroll alongside the waterfront, taking within the websites and wonder.
A panoramic view of the harbor and waterfront space in historic Boston.
We frolicked right here till the solar started to set.
Heading towards Quincy Market alongside the water. The sunshine is totally beautiful at nightfall.
Boston Waterfront at Nightfall in August
Under, just a little meandering by way of Quincy Market Meals Corridor.
Okay, so I received carried away by the dessert shade.
Then we headed to the North Finish for dinner and low, beginning at Naples-influenced Ristorante Saraceno, excellent for Anthony’s heritage and choice for southern Italian dishes. It’s a staple — not one of the best Italian meals on this planet, but it surely’s GOOD and the ambiance is epic.
Under, Dinner at Saraceno in Boston’s North Finish
A basic should order in any Italian restaurant in my humble opinion…
Under, a few the mains . . .
Dinner at Saraceno in Boston’s North Finish
Then there’s Francesca’s alongside the identical major drag and solely a stone’s throw from Seraceno.
Though locals might argue that there are different cafes that trump the cappuccino at Caffe Vittoria, it stays one among my favourite spots, largely due to the reminiscences of my youth. All these late nights consuming espresso after lengthy work nights. And to prime it off, little or no has modified in regards to the place. In different phrases, it’s as I remembered. The ambiance. The tables, chairs, espresso, desserts, lighting — all of it.
Typically, you’ve simply received to indulge your internal little one and relive the tastes, smells and experiences of yesteryear simply because. Fortunately our buddies indulged us each step of the way in which.
Cappuccino at Caffe Vittoria
Somerville
Though I wrote earlier that so many issues felt related strolling on outdated roads, stopping in retailers of outdated and re-visiting favourite eating places and cafes, it wasn’t the identical, largely as a result of I’m not the identical. That mentioned, it introduced me nice pleasure to drink and dine once more in a few of my outdated neighborhoods. Somerville’s Dali remains to be alive and kicking. A Spanish Tapas Bar simply exterior Cambridge’s border, it was the right spot to assemble twenty or so outdated buddies from my time dwelling within the space.
Whereas the tapas are nonetheless heavenly, it’s the ambiance that brings me again time and again. They nonetheless ship on that distinctive old-world expertise fifteen years later.
Shrimp and Garlic Tapas at Dali in Somerville
Simply take a look at the ceiling….
Marvel on the magic of the Tiles. The Lights. The Bar. The Ceiling. The Partitions. The Colours. Now you wish to go to, don’t you?
New Hampshire’s Coast
When you cross over into New Hampshire, there’s lots to see inland, which embody nice hikes and weekend getaways, however we simply love the coast. This previous journey solely allowed for southern New Hampshire adventures as a result of time constraints; nevertheless, we used to drive up Route 1 usually from Boston, exploring the small cities alongside the coast and we did the identical for a lot of Maine as effectively.
In and round Hampton NH
Like Maine, there are many lobster shacks, however the trendier city of Portsmouth not solely provides fashionable culinary spots to dine however has nice structure. Additional south simply over the Massachusetts border is Newburyport the place I spent lots of time in my thirties. On this journey, we stayed with buddies in Hampton and went out to dinner nightly, visiting their favourite eateries—what a deal with. Scroll under for just a few of these memorable experiences.
Through the day, we walked up and down the seashores, accumulating seaweed, rocks and shells for my numerous artwork initiatives like I at all times do once I journey. You’ll be able to dine in or buy clams, oysters, lobster, crab and different seafood to prepare dinner at dwelling.
Kittery Maine
There’s not a lot to this artsy little city simply over the Maine border, however we went major to drink and eat. And take a look at artwork after all. It’s a beautiful stroll down the principle drag and there are some great walks and hikes close by.
Taking a stroll by way of Kittery Maine in August
Ingesting & Eating
If you would like a extra informal expertise merely to get your “lobster repair” in southern NH, just a few choices embody Brown’s Lobster Pound (we had one picnic desk type earlier than heading out of city) and Markey’s Lobster Pool, each in Seabrook, Al’s Seafood in North Hampton, Smitty’s State Pier Lobster Pound in Hampton, Ray’s Seafood in Rye and Lobster Boat Restaurant in Litchfield, the latter of which is a recognized spot for old-school seafood and pasta.
Above and under, in and round Hampton NH
Under, my lobster order earlier than and after.
Whereas I needed to succumb to 2 roadside lobster meals, we additionally wished to attempt just a few elegant and tasteful eating spots and our native foodie buddies Gail and Steve had been the right hosts.
First, we ventured to Black Trumpet in Portsmouth which provides a seasonal, eclectic menu with gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and nut free choices as well. They provide a superb Cheese and Charcuterie Plate or you’ll be able to go for their Shrimp Ceviche Tostada with Cucumber-Nasturtium Pico to kick off your meal. Anthony and I needed to attempt the Tea-Smoked Duck Breast with Beet-Noodle Seaweed Salad and Black Garlic Nigella Emulsion. Merely put, it was to die for.
Above and under: Black Trumpet in Portsmouth NH
Major course choices embody a Brandade Crusted Halibut with Succotash, Swiss Chard, Marinated Tomatoes and Zucchini Sauce, a Soy-Brined Iberico Pork Loin with Buckwheat Noodles, Bok Choy, Umeboshi Plum Puree and Tempura Scallions and a Pan-Fried Zucchini Feta Cake with Mushrooms, Native Greens, Beet Yogurt and Orange Blossom Honey. (Word the Asian affect)
Desserts had been equally divine, with Chocolate and Cherry Clafoutis and Spiced Mascarpone and Cherry Syrup, and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Shaved Enna Chocolate and Nilla Water Crumbs all on the menu. And the way about this one? Sweetheart Beet and Plum Swiss Roll with Mascarpone Buttercream and Maple Creme Anglaise? Are you able to say Heavenly thrice after just a few cocktails and any of those delicious sweets?
For cocktails, a should go to is the ever so distinctive bar in Kittery Maine known as The Wallingford Dram.
The Wallingford Dram in Kittery Maine
Let’s simply say that each one of their cocktails had us at hi there. Uncommon mixes embody the next (they had been too wonderful to not submit intimately):
- A Fist within the Mouth of Time: Bourbon, Smoke, Fernet, Espresso Brandy, Bitters, Lavender
- We Are Nonetheless Us: Buttered Hay Washed Brandy, Black Pepper, Cumin and Orange Curacao with Egg White and Lemon
- Victims of Late Success: Bourbon, Aperol, Mango, Pine, Preserved Lemon, Coco Blast, Nogori Sake (sure, actually), Seltzer and Mint
- Jupiter Jazz: Jalapeno-infused Mezcal, Amaro Montenegro, Passionfruit, Lemon, Orgeat, Szechuan Peppercorns
- By Witchcraft: Cranberry Infused Gin, Dry Curacao, Lime, Cassia, Creme De Violette (excellent for the area)
- Tankgirl: Tequila, Aperol, Cherry Heering, Lemon, Orgeat, Pineapple and African Birdseye Chili
- Excessive Priestess: Raspberry-Hisbiscus Gin, Blackberry, Lime, Dry Curacao, Chocolate Bitters and Egg White (gotta love the identify)
- Dame Shrub: Gin, Rosemary Pear Shrub, Lemon, Ginger, Major Hemlock, Seltzer
- A Secret Backyard Highball: Earl Gray Tea Vodka, Home Bitter Lemon Soda
- Boat Cowboy: Tequila, Boubon, Allspice Dram, Pineapple Gomme, Birds Eye Chilli and Bitters
- Northsea Lineman: Rye with Islay Scotch, Maraschino, Pune e Mes, Bitters and Salt
- Leatherman: Bourbon, Carpano Antica, Lapsang Souchong Liqueur and Bitters (Anthony had two – hey, we weren’t driving)
- One thing for Timmy: Olive Oil Washed Bourbon, Inexperienced Chartreuse and Bitters
- Eddy and the Bridge: Strawberries, Peychaud’s Bitters, Pineapple Gomme, Tequila, Guajilo Pepper, Lemon, Seltzer and Thai Basil
Cocktails at The Wallingford Dram in Kittery Maine
Wow proper? I might go on however you get the concept. Extremely artistic, various and weird. We might have sat there all evening.
Additionally in Kittery Maine is Anneke Jans, which can be an uncommon discover for the realm. Begin your evening with cocktails at The Walllingford Dram after which stroll over to Anneke Jans for dinner. They provide European-influenced American dinners, small plates and drinks in a snazzy, cosmopolitan setting.
We began off with Oysters and Mussels as a result of how might you not in the event that they’re on the menu? The chef prepares their Maine mussels with bacon, onions, white wine, cream, and Nice Hill blue cheese. Yum, proper?
Different delicious bites at this magical spot embody Lobster Salad with Inexperienced Corn Relish and Avocado Mousse, Grilled Scallops with Succatosh, Candy Corn Soubise, Citrus and Leeks, their Scottish Salmon with Mango Quinoa Salad, Shiitake Mushrooms, Bok Choy and Miso Ginger Glaze, and Steak Frites with Romesco.
You’ll want to take a look at two latest articles on simply meals within the space: Prime Boston Foodie Picks by Class and Delicious Northeast Restaurant Information.
Mass Pike to Upstate New York (Facet Journey)
I name this part a facet journey for the reason that Adirondacks should not technically thought-about New England, though the small cities in upstate New York are similar to many of the cities I’ve visited in Maine (particularly Maine), NH and Vermont with solely minor nuances. We grew up within the Adirondacks so there are many articles to learn and photos to soak up. I wished to level to 5 Highlights to this explicit journey.
1. Exploring the Nice Sacandaga Lake by Boat
Lease a ship and get out on the Sacandaga Lake on the base of the Adirondack Mountains. There are eating places the place you’ll be able to dock and have lunch on a stunning sunny afternoon (solely works from June till August)
2. Artwork Trails in August
Every summer season, Fulton County has a weekend Artwork Stroll and we lucked out this yr as we had been on the town for it. All through Mayfield, Gloversville, Northville, Edinburg, Wells and Broadalbin, you’ll be able to go to artists’ galleries, a few of that are of their properties.
Our favourite artist picks this yr embody Alexandra Higgins whose medium is essentially oil and acrylics on canvas and sculptor, Robyn Isabella whose medium is essentially working with copper and mosaic tiles (she technically wasn’t on this yr’s Artwork Stroll however she’s my sister, so she will get a name out since her work is amaaaazing), Panorama oil painter Marion Kratky and Michele Johnsen, who makes a speciality of Driftwood Artwork.
Crosses by Robyn Valentine (above and under)
Under is Mosaic Artwork by Robyn Valentine.
Galleries ranged from garages, properties, and barns to co-ops, conventional workplace buildings and past.
Alex Higgins, Robyn Valentine, Renee Blodgett in Alex’s artwork gallery
Above and under, Alex Higgins Artwork
Alex Higgins Artwork Gallery
Above and under, Michele Johnsen’s Artwork Gallery (driftwood, hanging artsy mirrors and extra)
For extra info, take a look at the Sacandaga Valley Arts Community and the SVAN Arts Heart – they’re svanarts on Fb and based mostly in Northville NY. Under are just a few pictures I took alongside the highway close to Gloversville New York.
3. Lenox Massachusetts is a enjoyable place to discover in case you’re heading to upstate New York. You’ll want to cease by the normal and ever-so historic Pink Lion Inn. Sit on the porch, order some biscuits, a cheese plate and an enormous pot of tea. We browsed a number of the cute retailers alongside the principle drag of Lenox for an hour or so earlier than grabbing some drinks and assembly an outdated buddy.
Purchasing in Lenox Massachusetts in August.
Under, simply exterior The Pink Lion Inn in Lenox.
Outdoors The Pink Lion Inn in Lenox, Mass. with an outdated buddy.
4. Coxsackie New York. There’s not a lot right here, however a pleasant lunch spot is Yanni’s Restaurant alongside the river the place I managed to meet up with an outdated highschool buddy and his spouse.
At Yanni’s Restaurant on the River in Coxsackie New York.
5. Vintage-ing
We solely visited a handful of vintage retailers in Northville and Gloversville this yr. On our manner again to Boston, we spent extra time than we anticipated in a Ballston Spa Vintage Emporium. Just a few hours truly. Sure, actually. The place is fabulous and in case you love conventional (outdated) unique work, they’ve a ton of choices adorning practically each wall. We left with some artwork, a big wood horse head and a ceramic bowl I couldn’t go away behind. For sure, touring dwelling was a little bit of a problem however we made it with out one factor breaking. Thank God for bubble wrap.
A lot extra could be mentioned about our journey again East. Eating places and cafes had been disregarded, particulars missed, nature walks and riveting conversations omitted. Extra photos had been taken. Extra bread was damaged. Extra reminiscences had been made. For me anyway, America’s Nice Northeast is at all times definitely worth the journey. Thanks for the sweetness of all of it.
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She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media providers consultancy centered on viral advertising, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped corporations from 12 nations get traction out there. Recognized for her world and natural strategy to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an lively consumer of social media, she helps purchasers navigate digital waters from around the globe. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and commonly writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Put up, BlogHer, We Weblog the World and different websites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Journal and is listed as a brand new media influencer and recreation changer on numerous websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential lady in social media by Forbes Journal on a Prime 20 Listing.
Her ardour for artwork, storytelling and pictures led to the launch of Magic Sauce Pictures, which is a visible extension of her writing, the results of which has led to producing six picture books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
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