Category Archives: dog

August 4, 2017

Congamond Lakes (Southwick, MA)

Date Of Visit: July 4, 2017

Location: 93 Point Grove Rd, Southwick, MA

Hours: the ramps are open around the clock

Cost: $5 boat launch fee

Parking: there is parking available in the parking lot of the boat launch and there is limited parking on Point Grove Rd.,

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: boat launch, fishing, scenic

What better way to spend July 4th than at one of the busier lakes in Western MA?

Lake Congamond in Southwick, MA, seemed like the perfect place to spend the summer morning hours before our barbecue. But, mostly because I like to say and write Lake Congamond. What a fun name to say and what a fun lake to visit.

As the name suggests, Congamond Lakes is not one lake but, rather, a group of lakes at the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut. There are various boat launches. We stopped off at the boat launch in Southwick (MA).

With a maximum depth level of 35 feet, the Congamond Lakes are a popular place for boating or taking some other aquatic vehicle.

Ducks are common at the lake and they are so used to being fed they will sometimes eat from your own hand.

Congamond roughly translates to “long fishing place” and we saw quite a few people fishing.

The pier offers spots for fishing, places to view the water and the boats or a place to sit with a friend.

Dogs are allowed at Congamond Lakes. I’m just not sure they’re supposed to navigate the boats.

Some dogs prefer land to being on boats. Samurai is a Belgian Malinois.

Today’s featured link is Paul Samson’s Kayaking Blog. People on boats, or in this case a kayak, can get to places those on land can’t get to and Paul found some gems during his kayaking adventure. Paul’s blog post about Congamond Lakes can be found here.

4 Comments | tags: boats, Congamond Lakes, dogs, lake, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Southwick | posted in boats, Congamond Lakes, dog, lake, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Southwick, Uncategorized

August 1, 2017

Retro Pop Shop (Lee, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 2, 2017

Location: 395 Laurel St, Lee, MA (2 hours west of Boston and 45 minutes northwest of Springfield, MA)

Hours: call for hours (413-243-0025)

Parking: there is room for about 10-15 cars in the parking lot

Handicapped Accessible:

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: sale of vintage and hard to find items, ice cream shop

Website: Retro Pop Shop – Facebook

Are you looking to relive old memories and go back to an easier, simpler time? While it’s not literally possible to go back in time, Pop’s Retro Shop can make you feel as though you’ve gone back in time, or that you’re living in your parent’s hey day. Odds and ends older than many of you reading this post are scattered throughout this vintage shop in Lee, MA.

Coke and McDonald’s memorabilia take up much of the space at the Retro Pop Shop. In fact, Ronald is there to greet you when you walk in the front door.

Old coke bottles, lobsters, Simpson dolls and toy trucks lie scattered around the shop. Walking around the store was much like walking around my childhood room (or present day apartment).

Vending machines, refrigerators and even old gas station filling tanks are stored inthe garage of the shop.

Just walking past the old lunch boxes and lava lamps brought back so many memories and happy thoughts.

But, be aware. There are lots of creepy statues, dolls and other items that seem more suited for Halloween. Of course, it only made me like the store all that much more.

Retro Pop Shop is truly a family run business. While Pierre runs the store, his daughter owns and operates the Local Lee Homemade ice cream store attached to the Retro Pop Store.

Keeping with the decor of the inside of the shop, the outside of the store has some vintage and offbeat items lying around. They must get some pretty big rats out in western MA based on the trap by the entrance.

Although dogs are not allowed in the store (Pierre said a customer had complained about dogs being in the shop in th past), they are welcome on the grounds outside. I spotted this cute Samoyed in front of the shop.

Today’s featured site is a website for a store that is very similar to retro Pop Shop. While walking through the Retro Pop Shop, I couldn’t help but think of another store in New England that caters to the fans of vintage memorabilia. But, Wild Bill’s Nostalgia hs so much more .

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9 Comments | tags: dog, Lee, Massachusetts, memorabilia, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, shop, store, vintage, Western Massachusetts | posted in dog, Lee, massachusetts, memorabilia, New England, photographs, photography, photos, store, Uncategorized, vintage

July 31, 2017

Western Gateway Heritage State Park (North Adams, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 22, 2017

Location: 115 State St, North Adams, MA

Hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 – 4:00

Sat & Sun 12:00 – 4:00

Cost: Free

Parking: There is ample parking in the main parking lot (for about 430 cars) and additional parking can be found farther down the street

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: history of the western MA area, historical items

Website: Western Gateway State Heritage Park

Tucked behind the busy streets of North Adams in an otherwise nondescript office building complex stands a museum highlighting the hidden history of the North Adams area. It was truly a hidden surprise. Just be aware if you do visit, you have to walk a short distance into the commercial space area to find the museum. In fact, the museum/visitor center is so hidden that I accidentally walked into some office building in the front of the parking lot. The man working there was understanding and said it “happens all of the time” and he promptly gave us the directions to the museum which he must have memorized backwards and forwards by now.

More of a visitor center than an actual museum (and certainly not a park), the Heritage State Park museum chronicles the history and development of the Hoosac Tunnel, a 4.75 active railroad that runs through the Hoosac Range, a mountainous region of Vermont as well as other historical events of the area.

Much of the visitor center is dedicated to the Hoosac Tunnel which was built 1851 and 1875 (and you thought construction projects took a long time these days). The museum had many. exhibits on display that range from what the area looked like before the construction began to documenting what was involved in the construction of the tunnel. As an fyi, the lighting was very dim and I think they frown upon using your flash. So, some of the photos came out a little dark.

The museum also has some of the tools, equipment and vehicles used to create the tunnel and transport goods.

One hundred and ninety five people were killed during the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel which has added to its lore. The section of the visitor center that deals with the mining history of the area, with its dim lighting adds to this spooky history. There are also examples of rocks that prevalent in the area where the Hoosac Tunnel was built and had to be blasted or removed during the construction of the tunnel.

There is one section pf the visitor center that befuddled me a bit. Apparently, there have been reported UFO and alien sightings in the area. Apparently, Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires are a hot bed for extraterrestrial activity. However, many of the documents and exhibits had to deal with Area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico. I know. My sentiments exactly.

The last section of the visitor center has travel guides, books and exhibits with information about the area.

As I walked to my car from the visitor center, I noticed Prada, a 5 year old Siberian and wolf mix, being walked near the Heritage State Park. She was nice enough to pose for a few photos for me.

Today’s featured link is Wishes And Horses blog. Wishes and Horses recently posted a blog post about the Hoosac Tunnel.

Leave a comment | tags: dog, Hoosac Tunnel, Massachusetts, New England, north adams, photographs, Photography, photos, Western Gateway Heritage State Park | posted in dog, historical, Hoosac Tunnel, Massachusetts, New England, north adams, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

July 1, 2017

Pope John Paul II Park (Dorchester, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: June 17 & 18, 2017

Location: There are several entrances at Gallivan Blvd. and Hallet St., Dorchester, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are multiple parking lots at the entrances

Hours: Open from sunrise til one hour before sunset

Trail Size/Difficulty: 2 miles, easy with moderate inclines

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: wildlife, scenic, easy trails, ball fields

Website: Pope John Paul II Park

With its rolling hills, abundant wildlife, pretty trees and flowers and beautiful views, it’s hard to believe it once was the home to a drive in (remember those?) and a land fill.

Connected to Senator Joseph Finnegan Park, Pope John Paul II Park is part of the extensive Neponset River Greenway.

Pope John Paul Park is not only beautiful for it’s natural beauty, there are also two murals at the park.

There are a variety of birds at Pope John Paul Park (but I didn’t see any cardinals which was unusual).

This bird had a meal for his or her babies,

There are many pretty trees, plants and rolling hills along the paths.

The paths at John Paul Park are easy with some moderate inclines.

The paths are perfect for running, riding your bicycle or rollerblading with your dog.

There are some wonderful views along the Neponset River which separates Dorchester from picturesque Quincy, MA.

People like to use the river to cruise along with their jet ski, boat or other aquatic vessel.

There is also a stream that flows under the bridge at the park.

There are also soccer and lacrosse fields as well as pavilions and benches for people to sit and watch the games.

Pope John Paul Park is a great place to bring your dog. Zoey, a 5 year old mixed breed dog, brought her ball with her to the park.

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4 Comments | tags: birds, dog, Dorchester, Massachusetts, murals, Neponset, Neponset River Greenway, New England, Park, photographs, photohgraphy, photos, scenic, views | posted in dog, Dorchester, Massachusetts, Neponset River Greenway, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Pope John Paul II Park, scenic, Uncategorized, water

June 30, 2017

Senator Joseph Finnegan Park (Dorchester, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 17, 2017

Location: corner of Taylor St. and Water St., Neponset area of Dorchester, Boston, MA

Hours: Open sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: Parking is available by the main entrances on Water or Taylor St. You can also park at Pope John Paul II Park on Hallet St or Gallivan Blvd as the trails for each park are connected

Park size/trail difficulty: 15 acres/easy

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: scenic views, cycling/walking paths, wildlife

Website: Finnegan Park

Bigger isn’t necessarily better.

Part of the Neponset River Greenway, at a scant 15 acres Finnegan Park is one of the smaller yet more charming parks to open in the Boston area.

Dedicated in May of this year, Finnegan Park is a small yet popular destination for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city it borders.

Some of the park’s more appealing features are the scenic views and birds that inhabit the area, if you find that sort of things appealing that is. In the background you can see some of the residential buildings in the lovely Quincy, Massachusetts neighborhood. Egrets and Canadian geese are common visitors at the park.

There are also blocks of what looks like granite with words like “Charity” as well as the history of the area and descriptions of the wildlife in the area engraved on them.

One of the really cool things about the park is the train that passes by. The very same train I take to work.

Named after former state senator and representative Joseph Finnegan who worked hard to revitalize the area, Finnegan Park is a great place to ride your bike, play hopscotch or take your dog for a walk.

Gladys had a fun time walking along the trails at Finnegan Park.

Finnegan Park is only one segment of the Neponset River Greenway. In a future post I will be showing off another beautiful part of this project.

6 Comments | tags: birds, Boston, dog, Dorchester, Finnegan Park, Massachusetts, Neponset River Greenway, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, train | posted in birds, Boston, dog, Dorchester, Finnegan Park, Massachusetts, Neponset River Greenway, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, trains, Uncategorized

June 5, 2017

Wickham Park (Manchester, CT)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: May 30, 2017

Location: 1814 Tolland St, Manchester, CT

The address on the website is for the back entrance which is locked Do not enter this address into your GPS. The best way to go is to follow the instructions on their website or try using the address listed above. I had to pull into a Dunkin’ Donuts to get directions.

There is also limited free parking on a side street (Vernon Rd)

Cost: $5 per car

Hours: open daily, sunrise to sunset

Park Size/Trail Difficulty: 250 acres/easy trails with some gentle inclines

Handicapped Accessible: Yes.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: scenic views, ponds, wetlands, wildlife, art, well maintained grounds, disc-golf field, bird sanctuary, nature center, gardens, flowers,hiking trails, picnic areas, ample parking

Website: Wickham Park

Map of Wickham Park: Map Of Wickham Park

Wickham Park has a little a bit of everything for everyone. There are gardens, wetlands and hiking trails for the nature lover. There is a nature center and bird sanctuary for animal lovers to learn more about the inhabitants of the grounds. There is also a play area for children and a beautiful scenic outlook for people to sit and enjoys beautiful views of the Hartford area. There’s even tennis courts, pavilions and a disc golf field. It is also one of the most beautiful parks I have visited (I know – I say that about all of the parks I visit).

If you have limited time or you don’t want to walk around too much, I would suggest going to Lot B first. But, you can drive from lot to lot so tall of the areas of he park are very accessible.

Lot B is across from the Japanese themed Lotus Gardens, Irish Garden and other natural beauties.

There are also pretty structures and statues along the paths.

Knot Garden has a maze (it’s not as easy as it looks), statues and beautiful flowers.

There is a wide variety of birds, mammals and other animals at Wickham Park.

I caught this bird taking a dust bath.

These frogs were busy. So I left them to their privacy, as much as there is at a park.

There is also a bird sanctuary at Wickham. All of the birds at the sanctuary were either injured or unable to survive in the wild on their own. And, it looks like more are on their way.

Not all of the animals at the sanctuary were birds. This sneaky fella found a way to score some choice feed.

There is also a fun and educational nature next to a playground. The animals are the nature center were much easier to photograph.

Wickham Park also offers stunning views of the Hartford and surrounding area.

There is also a disc golf field and easy to moderate hiking trails.

Wickham is worth the visit just for the art and architecture and nature alone. The trails and gardens are just an added bonus.

Dogs are allowed at Wickham Park. I was able to click a few photos of Holly as she hunted for a rabbit.

The only bad thing about my trip to Wickham Park was getting there. The website has the address listed as 1329 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT. This is the back entrance and there was a gate preventing entry this way. The main entrance is actually on Tolland St.

If you do use the address on their website (1329 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT), to get to Wickham, drive west onto Burnside Ave and take a right onto Long Hill Drive (at a set of lights after about a mile (a Dunkin’ Donuts and strip mall will be on your left). Then, take the next right onto Tolland St. or Tolland Turnpike. The main entrance to Tolland Park will be on the right after about a mile.

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14 Comments | tags: birds, connecticut, CT, dogs, flowers, frogs, Manchester, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, travel | posted in birds, connecticut, dog, family friendly, frog, Manchester, CT, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized

April 27, 2017

Kite Day (Cogswell’s Grant, Essex, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: April 22, 2017

Location: Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring St, Essex, MA

Dog Friendly: Yes

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: kites, bubbles, family friendly

Website: Cogswell’s Grant

Despite the wet and cold weather, it is kite flying season in New England. But, would a little rain stop hardy New Englanders? No, the rain and brisk temperature didn’t deter these true kite flying aficionados.

KONE (Kites Over New England) hosted the event at Cogswell’s Grant in Essex, MA and there were kites of all types flying through the air. Kites in the shape of pirate ships or with Batman and Frozen (a particularly appropriate kite for that day) figures on them are a few of the types of kites that soared through the air.

Some unlucky kite flyers got their kites stuck in the trees. But, the helpful staff at Cogswell’s helped untangle them.

Kite flyers of all ages enjoyed their time at Cogswell’s Grant.

Some of the visitors had more fun popping the bubbles being made by the bubble man.

Tessa, a 7 year old all white German Shepherd, was more interested fetching her stick.

KONE hosts several “kite days” in New England throughout the year and I hope to attend a kite day later when the weather is better!

4 Comments | tags: dog, Essex, family friendly, kites, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in dog, Essex, family friendly, kites, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

March 17, 2017

Irish Famine Memorial (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: March 17, 2017

Location: corners of Washington and School St, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Accessible everyday, 24 hours a day

Parking:Street parking can be difficult is this neighborhood. Finding a parking garage is probably the best option. Also, the Park St train stop on the Red Line is within walking distance (about half a mile) to the memorial.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

While we’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with our green beer and corned beef (pause for the collective yuck) it’s easy to forget about the history of the Irish people and the hardships that brought so many Irish here, especially to New England.

The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is dedicated to the Great Famine that gripped Ireland in 1845. Potatoes, a main crop in Ireland, stopped growing, leaving many to go hungry and suffer financially as they could not sell their crops. Mold was the culprit. Since potatoes were the main crop in Ireland, many of the poor in Ireland suffered from the famine, with about one-eighth of the population dying from hunger or disease related to the famine over the following years. As a result of the famine, Irish immigration to the United States spiked with over 1.5 million Irish arriving on our shores. Boston was one of the main destinations for these new citizens and the Irish remain a prominent part of our community.

Robert Shure’s Boston Irish Famine Memorial displays the pain and, conversely, pride of the Irish people who have suffered so much. It is a somber, powerful and inspiring display of the suffering and, ultimately, the ability of the Irish to overcome their “troubles”.

The first statue, located on School and Washington streets, shows three people, presumably a mother, father and child, in the throes of hunger. Shure was meticulous in his sculpture. You can see how thin the figures are and, from certain angles, you can actually see the ribs of the figures.

The second sculpture shows three people, presumably the very same family healthy and happy. Standing up straight and proudly, the family looks happy and healthy. It is most certainly a sign of how all of us can overcome adversity and how the Irish have been able to withstand so much.

As an aside, I love the diversity of Boston. Traversing through the memorial, I witnessed people of all walks of life and ethnicities.

A wreath and flower was placed by the Charitable Irish Society at the sculpture of the suffering family and on one of the figures of the memorial to commemorate Saint Patrick’s Day.

A series of 8 plaques encircle the memorial. One of the plaques, entitled “Let’s We Forget”, gives a nod to the suffering and famines across the globe and how we continue to watch as others starve helplessly.

The bronze and granite memorial was dedicated in June of 1998, marking the 150th anniversary of the famine.

On my way back to the train station, I saw Brig, a beautiful Bull Mastiff.

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17 Comments | tags: Boston, dog, Ireland, Irish, Massachusetts, memorial, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, sculpture, statues | posted in Boston, dog, Ireland, Irish, Massachusetts, memorial, New England, photographs, photography, photos, statues, Uncategorized

March 9, 2017

Spring Bulb Show (The Botanic Garden of Smith College, Northampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: March 4 – March 19, 2017 (photos taken March 4)

Location: The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA

Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday extended hours 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (members get in earlier at 9 .a.m)

Cost: Free ( a $5 donation is suggested)

Parking: unmetered parking is available on College Lane and additional parking is available throughout Northampton

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, from their website: There is one designated handicapped parking space in front of the Lyman Plant House. Two of the three front entrances to the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory are wheelchair accessible and the restrooms are accessible. There is a lift in the front of the building that goes between the lower level Church Exhibition Gallery and the Reception area. All but one of the greenhouses (the Fern House) are accessible.

Highlights: Avariety of flowers such as crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips in full bloom or nearly in bloom at the Botanic garden of Smith College

Web Site: The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Believe it or not, spring, for most if us, is right around the corner. Soon enough, drab, colorless soil and grass and dead flowers and plant life will be replaced with the vibrant colors of spring and summer.

As an early celebration of the spring season, the Botanic Garden of Smith College is showcasing a colorful array of flowers as part of their Spring Bulb Show (which ironically ends the day before the Vernal Spring buds, get it?) .

There were a wide variety of flowers of display and I won’t even try to name or describe all of them, except to sayy they were very pretty.

The gaarden used works of art such as paintings and statues to highlight the beauty of the flowers. It was very well done and it brought out the colors of the flowers.

The people at the Botanic garden were kind enough to open the rest of the garden to us which showcased an impressive field of flowers and trees.

I also spotted a frog, fish and some other mysterious faces at the garden.

We also saw Kaezli, a beautiful 4 year old Burnese Mountain Dog, outside the Botanic garden.

Below is a video of a plant that closes when it feels pressure or weight and a video of a waterfall at the garden.

21 Comments | tags: art, dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, Northampton, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, trees | posted in art, dog, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, Northampton, photographs, photography, photos, plants, Uncategorized

January 14, 2017

New England International Auto Show (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: January 12 – 16, 2017 (photos taken January 12)

Location: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston, MA

Cost: Adult (13 and older): $15, child (6-12): $6, children under 6 get in free

Hours:

Thursday, January 12, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, January 13, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, January 14, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, January 15, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Monday, January 16, 10:00 am- 6:00 pm

*Box Office closes 1 hour prior to the end of the Show each day.

Parking: There is ample parking at the Exhibition Center ($17 to self-park, $30 for valet parking) .

*you can also take the red line on the MBTA. The Convention Center is about a mile walk from South Station, or you can take the Silver Line to the World Trade Center stop. The Convention Center is a short walk from the World Trade Center stop*

Handicapped Accessible: According to the website for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the building is handicapped accessible and there is “ample” handicapped parking. There is also a golf cart that transports visitors from the entrance to the escalators.

Dog Friendly: Service dogs may be allowed

Web Site: New England International Auto Show

As a prelude to my post, I would like to acknowledge this as my 200th post. I wanted to thank everyone who has viewed, shared, liked and/or commented on my blog. I genuinely appreciate your support. Here’s to many more posts!

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Are you in the market for a new car? Do you have an extra couple hundred thousand to throw around? Then, I’ve got the place for you.

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center is hosting the New England International Auto Showthis weekend. But, if you haven’t hit your number yet there is still sure to be a car for you.

There are cars of all makes and models for the taking. All the major car companies showcased their vehicles.

While there were many mid priced vehicles, there was a special section for exotic and special vehicles, thankfully. I tend to find most “mid priced” vehicles to look all the same (it’s the reason why I walk up to at least 2 other vehicles before I find mine in a parking lot but I digress). The vehicles below do have this issue.

This Porsche 911 Targa 4S can be yours for the rock bottom price of $151.

And that wasn’t even the most expensive car on the show room. Some of these Ashton Martins were priced at over $300,000. They’re still waiting for my check to clear.