Monthly Archives: May 2016

May 31, 2016

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

Date Visited: April 21, 2016 & May 22, 2016

Location: East Squantum St, Squantum (Quincy), MA

Cost: Free

Parking: about 8 parking spots. Parking is also available at the beach which is located about half a mile away on Quincy Shore Drive and is an easy walk to Moswetuset.

Highlights: great views, easy trail, secluded, not usually very busy, a lot of historical significance

Mosewtuset may seem much like all the other small parks that dot the Massachusetts shoreline. But, its significance in the historical landscape of Massachusetts and all of the colonies and commonwealths should never be minimized.

Moswetuset is not only significant because the commonwealth of Massachusetts derived its name from Moswetuset but it is also the original trading place of Chickatawbot Sacamore and Myles Standish in 1621 that spurred the trade of the early settlers and the Native Americans. Moswetuset was also the area they used as their planting grounds.

What does a funky name like Moswetuset mean, you may ask. Moswetuset has been translated into “shaped like an arrowhead” (the area does have a distinct arrowhead shape) and “site of the great house.” The area is shielded by rows of trees and growth.

The trail is an easy loop with a very minor incline.

Only underscoring how small things can be very big in their place in history, Moswetuset is only a quarter of a mile loop, if that. But, it does offer some pretty views and it is a nice place to take a short stroll or sit on one of the many rocks along the beach (Moswetuset is located next to Wollaston Beach). It was low tide when I went so I was able to get out onto the rocks and get some decent views of the water and the surrounding neighborhood of Squantum (which is technically part of Quincy) which is in the background of the photos.

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Of course, what would a park or attraction in Quincy be without graffiti? There were some interesting works of graffiti at Moswetuset.

Moswetuset is a popular place for dog walkers. But, for some reason, there weren’t any dog walkers at Moswetuset when I visited. I found Buddy, though, on my way to my car as I walked along the beach.

7 Comments | tags: attractions, beach, birds, dog, Hiking, Historical, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, trees, views, water | posted in beach, birds, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, quincy, Uncategorized, water

May 30, 2016

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 30, 2016

Location: Main St, Agawam, MA (corner of School St & Main St)

Parking: There is no off street parking but there are some lots across the street and a small parking area just before the memorial.

On this important day, I thought it would be good to showcase one of the many war memorials in the Western Massachusetts area. The Veterans Green Memorial Park, nestled in front of the Phelps Elementary School, is one of these tasteful memorials.

The memorial, which recognizes every person who has died in war from the Agawam area dating all the way back to the American Revolutionary War.

Due to the inclement weather and unpredictable weather patterns of the area (it is New England after all), parades and memorials were cancelled this year which gave me full access to the site but probably disappointed a lot of likely parade watchers. There is usually a ceremony each year at the site and it looked strange not seeing any parades or people reveling in the streets and sidewalks during the day.

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The Benjamin Phelps Elementary School is located behind the memorial and a gazebo stands just off the side of the memorial.

What stands out most about the memorial is the bell. It symbolizes so much; the tones rung out during remembrances, the readiness and alert nature of our armed forces and the ringing out of victory and freedom.

Happy memorial and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

5 Comments | tags: bell, flag, flags, gazebo, Historical, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in Agawam, bell, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, memorials, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

May 29, 2016

Montague Bookmill (Montague, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: March 28, 2016

Location: 440 Greenfield Rd, Montague, MA

Hours: Mon-Wed 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Thu-Sun 10 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Parking: there is lots of parking on the side and back of the book store. There is also a lot across the street from the bookstore.

Montague Book Mill

Do you like books? How about mills? Then I have just the place for you. But, this is no ordinary book store. A former gristmill now operating as a used book store, the Bookmill has gone through many changes throughout its history. But, it still keeps true to its beginnings. The structure is largely the very same one that operated as a mill so long ago and the brook that runs along the two floor book shop is the very same one they used to power the gristmill so long ago.

Upon arriving at the Bookmill, the first thing you notice is the brook fed by a waterfall adjacent to the shop.

A short easy to walk path takes you to the source of the stream of water.

The short waterfall and stream can be pretty fast in some spots. But, when I came to visit it slowed down after it plummeted down the waterfall.

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After the short walk back up the trail, you can access the bookstore by a wooden walkway with some more views of the waterfall and stream.

Or, you can just walk straight across (the easier route, less scenic route).

The great thing about the Bookmill is that it has kept much of the original charm and design of the past. Narrow stairwells and cozy corners are the hallmark of the shop. Memorabilia, such as old style typewriters, are scattered throughout the store. The staff doesn’t rush you nor do you feel a sense that profit is their main driver. Service and a respect for books seems to be the most important thing t the staff. It’s a great place for any book lover and anyone who loves to lounge around historic places.

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They even have newspaper clippings and memorabilia along the walls in the more private areas.

The Bookmill is not the only shop in the area. In the shopping area there is also a cafe, The Lady Killigrew Cafe, located next to the book store and The Alvah Stone, a restaurant. There are also two art studios and an entertainment/media store called Turn It Up. Turn It Up specializes in selling cd’s, dvd’s, vinyl and even cassette tapes. They also sell other memorabilia. It’s a unique store in a very unique shopping area.

The owner of Turn It Up let me photograph his 10 year old dog and part owner, Daisy.

Below is a video of the waterfall and stream next to the Bookmill.

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15 Comments | tags: book, dog, Historical, mall, Massachusetts, mill, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, shop, shopping, shopping center, shops, store, stores, water, waterfall | posted in historical, history, Massachusetts, store, Uncategorized

May 26, 2016

Ross Parking Garage Murals (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: May 21 & May 22, 2016

Location: Ross Parking Garage, Ross Way & Parking Way, Quincy, MA

Parking: Not for long

Hours: Not many more left

Like a lot of the biggish towns that many of us grew up in, Quincy, Massachusetts has seen a lot of changes over the years. Businesses have come and gone. But, the one thing that has remained a staple of the area for so long may seem rather mundane, a parking lot. As funny as it may seem, it is the one place most everyone has been to, either in their car or their friend’s car. Or, for some other reason people may not want to divulge.

The demolition of the garage, slated for the end of May, is just another example of the changing face of the Quincy landscape. The three story garage, which has 700 parking spots and has been around since 1984, will be replaced by a hotel. Even though it’s just a garage, and not a very state of the art or pretty one at that, it represents the changing of the city. And some people are pretty shook up about it for some reason.

Since the garage was blowing demolished sometime in the near future and the garage was being closed for good May 23, the city organized a block party and let some of the artists in the area paint some murals and art work on the walls of the garage the weekend before the garage was officially closed.

I caught this artist working on his mural

Here is the end result of all of his work

On the other side of this wall, I found this cool Quincy themed mural.

The road next to the garage was blocked off to traffic so people could congregate and enjoy the art work like the murals and art below.

Even the little kids at the block party got into the action.

The paintings in the upper levels of the garage were more graffiti than artsy.

“Be fearless in pursuit of what puts your soul on fire”(an unattributed famous quote)

I didn’t realize just how creepy abandoned parking garages can be until I went to photograph the Ross Parking Garage on its last day. It just doesn’t seem right.

Goodbye, Ross Parking Garage. You’ll be missed. Well, not really.

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23 Comments | tags: art, artists, blog, garage, Massachusetts, mural, murals, New England, parking, quincy | posted in art, blog, garage, murals, paintings, Uncategorized

May 24, 2016

Borderland State Park (North Easton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 21, 2016

Location: 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA

508-238-6566

Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A sign at the front gate of the parking area states cars still parked in the lot after 7 p.m. will be fined $25.

Costs: According to the website it is $5 for MA residents and $6 for non-MA residents. There is a parking payment station located at the front of the parking area. I have a parking pass which allows me to park in all state run parks so I do not know exactly how the parking stations work or how they charge each patron.

Parking: The parking lot is pretty big. It looks like there are easily 200 spaces. When we left, on a busy day at peak hours, there were still plenty of parking spots available, albeit far from the entrance to the trails. There is also an alternate parking area before the main parking area for people with special passes.

Highlights: mansion, 6 ponds, quarry, 20 miles of hiking trails, large field for frisbee golf and other activities. Fishing, canoeing and horseback riding are allowed. Leashed dogs are permitted. Easy to moderate trails, teeming with wildlife. Peaceful feeling, even when the park is packed.

*Please note, some of the slideshows take some time to load, unfortunately (especially on tablets and cellphones). You may have to refresh but they may take a few minutes to load*

Created during the early 1900’s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her husband Oakes Ames, Borderland State Park has been a state park since it was purchased by the state in 1971. The Ames’ home, a three-story stone mansion built in 1910 still stands on the grounds.

The grounds of the mansion are manicured impeccably. They even take care of those pesky witches (or whatever that is on the lawn) .

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Bordering on the towns of Sharon and Easton in Southern MA, Borderland has a variety of trails for runners, walkers, cyclists and even horseback riders. The trails are easy to moderate and I saw many runners on the trail.

Located about 45 minutes south of Boston and half an hour north of Providence, Rhode Island, Borderland State Park is a popular destination for people from all sections of New England. It is easy to see why so many people flock to the park when you see the views.

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Sometimes it’s the little things that make the park so much fun. Whether it’s the frisbee golf course on the lawn in front of the mansion (I can only imagine what the Ames’s would have thought of that) or the benches that are liberally scattered throughout the park or the always full bowls of water thoughtfully left out for the thirsty dogs, the park really does think of everything.

here was also an abandoned building along one of the trails.

There are always pleasant surprises when you go to visit the different parks in New England. One of those surprises was a mother bird feeding her babies in the nest on the beams of the roof of the abandoned building pictured above. I did my best to seem as unobtrusive and I used my telephoto lens from a distance while I took these photos. I love how the mother looks so protective and is surveying the area for potential threats.

Then, as I was taking photos of the pond, I saw these little critters. Look at how the frogs almost perfectly camouflage themselves. It’s almost the perfect disguise. Man, I love nature!

Ok, the snake isn’t so “little.” But, I wasn’t about to get closer to see just how big he was.

And the animals didn’t stop there.

There were dogs a plenty also at Borderland State Park.

Beef is a 6 year old American Bullweiler (American Bulldog and Rottweiler mix). He was being trained by his dad. I thought the last photo showed just how much affection he has for his guardian.

Mason, a chocolate Labrador, took advantage of the warm weather to go for a swim.

Romeo, an English Chocolate Labrador, celebrated his 10 month birthday at the park!

Balto, a 7 month German Shepherd, wants attentively for the rest of the family to show up.

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15 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, dogs, frogs, history, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, snakes, travel, trees, views, water | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, ponds, trees, Uncategorized, views

May 22, 2016

Battery Park (Burlington, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 1 North Ave, Burlington, VT

Open: 365 days a year, 24 hours

Cost: Free

Parking: Off street parking when it is available

Located along a busy stretch of roadway in Burlington, Vermont, Battery Park may be best known for its place in the history of American warfare.

Battery Park was named for the artillery stationed there by American forces during the War Of 1812. On August 13, 1813, American gunners at that location, aided by the naval ship the USS President, successfully defended their position against an attack by a British squadron led by Lt Colonel John Murray.

Since then, the park, which was established in 1870, has taken on a more artistic and more peaceful ambiance.

Statues, memorials and other works of art are scattered along the sidewalk and grass off North Avenue.

This statue was made by the renown sculpture Peter Wolf Toth. Toth specializes in sculptures of Native American people. He has sculpted dozens of statues and has one statue in each of the 50 states in the U.S. as well as in other countries. This statue above is a monument to Gray Lock’s War veteran chief Gray Lock. The statue, carved of wood, was dedicated June 22, 1984.

At first glance, this tree may seem rather nondescript, just a tree in a sea of other trees. But, this is no ordinary tree. his tree was planted in memory of the September 11 terorist attacks.

Another monument at Battery Park is dedicated to Worker’s Memorial Day (April 28th) which has been designated by the AFL-CIO to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe jobs.

There are also these unique structures which I still haven’t figured out.

Lake Champlain provides the perfect the backdrop to the park.

The monuments and statues do not end there. In the background of the park you can see what have been described “winged monkeys” (from the Wizard Of Oz film). To really get good photographs of these figures you have to be closer to Champlain College. The figures are actually on top of some of the buildings in the area of the school’s campus. But, you can see the distinct figures of some of the characters. Specifically, it looks like the witch’s guards to me. I didn’t have the time or energy at that point to (I started traveling and photographing at 7 and it was close to 6 on this day when I photographed Battery Park). But, it’s also fun trying to see the hidden statues.

Rudyard Kipling is said to have noted that Battery Park has one of the two finest sunsets in the world. As the photos demonstrate, I was unfortunately not able to photograph the sunset this particular evening due to the rain and clouds.

In addition to these statues and monuments, there is a statue dedicated to American Civil War General William W. Wells and other local luminaries.

There is also a playground area at the end of the park with swings and slides.

Dogs love Battery Park too. Gus, a 2 and a half year old, Great Pyranese

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9 Comments | tags: dogs, memorilas, monuments, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, statues, trees, Vermont | posted in dog, memorials, monuments, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, statues, trees, Uncategorized, Vermont

May 20, 2016

Guilford Welcome Center (Guilford, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 1235 Broad Brook Rd, Guilford, VT

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (may be closed on federal and/or state holidays)

It’s not very often that you are impressed with a visitor center. But the Guilford Welcome Center is no ordinary welcome center.

It was a long drive to Vermont and sometimes nature calls…

From the moment you walk into the Guilford (VT) Welcome Center, you know you’re not in your average welcome center. I also love how they call it a “welcome center” and not a “visitor center”. it’s just another example of the folksy and friendly nature of Vermont. The tables, chairs and fireplace give the welcome center a homey feel. You could spend hours sitting at their wooden tables with a good book and a cup of coffee while the snow falls outside.

The backside of the welcome center has an area to sit and take in the beautiful Vermont landscapes. There is also an exhibit of old farm equipment.

There are also a variety of trinkets and crafts located throughout the welcome center.

As I did my research on the Vermont Welcome Center, I noticed the welcome center in Guilford is not the only visitor center with attractions and other interesting things. There is a Vietnam War Memorial listing all the residents from Vermont who died while serving in that war. The Bennington, VT, welcome center has a “singing drum”. Each welcome center seems to have its own unique flavor and entertainment. They definitely do not make visitor centers like this in Massachusetts. That’s for sure.

There are more exhibits and areas to sit in the front of the welcome center.

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The Guilford Welcome Center also has a dog park area across from the center. Duncan, a 3 and a half year old Cavalier King, stopped by for a quick pit stop.

Duncan’s sister, Vera, an 18 month old Cavalier King Spaniel, also took a moment to pose for me.

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9 Comments | tags: attractions, dogs, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Vermont, welcome center | posted in dogs, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Vermont, welcome center

May 19, 2016

River Works Park (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13th 2016

Location: 250 Deerfield Street, Greenfield, MA

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a lot that can accommodate about 30 or so cars behind the waterfall off Meridian St (a side road off Deerfield St where the bridge is) or you can park in one of the lots of the local establishments and walk to the park, after patronizing them of course. You can’t park on Deerfield St.

It’s not often that you see a silver fish on a pole while you’re driving down the main streets of a busy suburb. So, when I saw Brookie, the mascot of River Works Park, I had to stop and check it out.

The River Works Park is a quiet place (if you can ignore the passing traffic on Deerfield Rd) where residents and visitors can sit on the benches or walk along the sidewalk or bridge and admire the Green River below.

For a roadside attraction, the River Works Park is full of surprises and beauty. One of these surprises is the walk way along the sidewalk that is blocked off by a fence. Of course, there was an opening in the wire fence. The views from the walk way weren’t so great though and I only managed to get a few scratches when I walked along it.

The walkway, which was dedicated in November of 1999, has several memorials and plaques along the sidewalk. This bench was dedicated to Barbara Tillmanns, Greenfield’s “#1 cheerleader.” Tillmanns was a town councilor for Greenfield and very active in the community. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 72. One of her endeavors was to begin an initiative to establish a series of commemorative benches throughout Greenfield. Here’s one:

A sign remains where the J. Russell Co once stood. The company made Green River Knives. Greenfield Tap & Die also stood there once upon a time. The J. Russell Co and Greenfield Tap & Die were the main employers of the area for much of the 1800’s and the J. Russell Co made the highly touted Green River Knife.

If you look closely at Brookie, the mascot of River Works Park, you can see the forks, spoons, cutlery and other utensils collected from the residents of Greenfield and Franklin County that make up the shape of the fish as a tribute to the J. Russell Cutlery Co. (you may have to zoom into the photo).

The aptly named Green River, runs through the park. There were some modest waves and ripples in the river. The reason for this will soon be evident.

I thought made for a pretty backdrop.

However, just beyond the bridge, we found this pretty waterfall.

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There is no sidewalk on the side of the road where the best views of the waterfalls are so I had to keep the video short since I shot it during a red light.

There is a lot of interesting historical information about the J. Russell Co and the area which you can access in the links below

J. Russell Co

John Russell Manufacturing Co

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8 Comments | tags: bridge, Massachusetts, memorials, monuments, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, river, water, waterfall | posted in bridge, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, river, Uncategorized, water, waterfall

May 18, 2016

Poet Seat’s Tower (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: Mountain Rd, Greenfield, MA

Parking: There are about half a dozen parking spots next to the tower and they fill up quickly.(and they were all filled at 8 o’clock on a Friday morning). There is also parking at the gate of the entrance on Mountain Road for about another half a dozen vehicles. The walk to the tower from the main entrance is about a mile.

Cost: Free

Hours: Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset

Perhaps it’s the unobstructed, sweeping views of the landscapes or maybe it’s the solitude of being in such an isolated tall structure. Whatever the reason, poets seemed to flock to this observation tower. It has since been known as the “poets seat tower” because of the long tradition of poets that have been attracted to the location. Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, a local poet at the time, is credited with bestowing this name on the structure in 1850. The tower, which was built in 1912, now attracts people of all walks of life, not just poets. Prior to the construction of the sandstone tower, a wooden observation tower had been built on the edge of the lookout in 1879. A plaque at the tower acknowledges Tuckerman’s role in the history of the tower.

Even before you reach the top of the tower, if you dare, there are some impressive views of the Greenfield (MA), Connecticut, Deerfield (MA) and Green River valleys. The ledge of the road where the tower is bult has a rocky ledge from where you can get some views of the Greenfield area below. It’s a long way down!

The highest point of Greenfield, the tower is 4 floors (counting the ground floor and top floor). The views from each floor are pretty stunning. After all the rain in the area, the greens were very vivid.

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As I stood looking over the land below I couldn’t help but think of how the landscape has changed over the years. Many years ago people looked over farmlands and valleys. Now, we look over schools, houses, parks and businesses. I also thought about all of the people who came here to rid their mind and soul of their worries by taking in the beautiful views. It really can make you take a step back (and hopefully not forward) when you’re up so high and appreciating the nature around us.

The journey to the top is not difficult. A trip up one stairwell and one spiral staircase take you to the top.

The arches and architecture of the tower rival the beauty of the views from the top of the tower.

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And what would a historic structure be without graffiti? As seems to be customary, particularly in Western Mass, there was graffiti on the walls of the sandstone structure. It did seem fitting that poetry lined the walls of “Poet’s Seat Tower”

“Jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down”

The are also benches along the road to the tower which offer views of the area. There are also hiking trails that branch off from the road to the tower. The trails look easy to moderate but I could not walk on them because of time constraints. I did hear a lot of presumably animal activity in the woods.

Below is a video of the view from the top of Poet’s Seat Tower

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10 Comments | tags: graffiti, historic, history, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenis, tower, views | posted in historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, tower, trees, Uncategorized, views

May 15, 2016

Windsor-Cornish Bridge (Windsor, VT & Cornish, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: Bridge St, Windsor, VT/ Cornish, NH

If there is one thing Vermont and New Hampshire are known for, besides moose and lakes, it has to be covered bridges. But, of the 164 covered bridges listed for Vermont and New Hampshire one stands alone.

The Windsor-Cornish Bridge (or Cornish-Windsor if you like) is the longest covered bridge in all of New England. At 449 ft and 5 inches, the Windsor-Cornish Bridge is not only the longest covered bridge in New England it is the second longest wooden covered bridge in the entire United States just behind the Smolen-Gulf Bridge in Ohio (613 ft) which opened in 2008. It is, however, the longest wooden covered bridge as well as the longest two span covered bridge in the United States.

The bridge was originally framed at a nearby meadow northwest of the site and later moved to its proper location. As an aside, I didn’t see anyone cross it on a horse. But, if they did, they had better walk it across or be ready to pay their two bits.

It has been through three constructions and repairs due to being transported from another location and after being repaired due to flood damage and ice in 1977. In July, 1987, the bridge was closed to traffic due to deterioration and reconstructed in 1989. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Windsor-Cornish Bridge holds another unique distinction. It is one of the few bridges that used to be a toll bridge but no longer has a toll (usually it works the other way around in new England). The bridge was purchased by the state in 1936 and operated it as a toll bridge until June 1, 1943. The bridge does have two lane traffic but pedestrians traffic is not allowed.

The Windsor-Cornish Bridge is one resilient bridge. Previously, there have been three bridges built on this site in 1796, 1824 and 1828. All of these bridges were destroyed by floods. For now, though, the bridge still stands proudly.

The videos below show what driving through the tunnel (both ways) feels like.

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16 Comments | tags: bridge, Historical, history, New England, new hampshire, photographs, Photography, photos, Vermont | posted in bridge, historical, history, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Vermont

New England Nomad

Monthly Archives: May 2016

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

Montague Bookmill (Montague, MA)

Ross Parking Garage Murals (Quincy, MA)

Borderland State Park (North Easton, MA)

Battery Park (Burlington, VT)

Guilford Welcome Center (Guilford, VT)

River Works Park (Greenfield, MA)

Poet Seat’s Tower (Greenfield, MA)

Windsor-Cornish Bridge (Windsor, VT & Cornish, NH)

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