Category Archives: dog

November 30, 2016

Illuminate Thanksgiving (Plymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 19, 2016

Location: Downtown Plymouth, MA (Water, Court and Main Streets)

Hours: 24 hours a day, everyday until the holidays

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: holiday decorations

Web Site: Illuminate Thanksgiving

Plymouth, MA, is beautiful enough on its own.  But, Plymouth during the holiday season is simply magical.

As part of their holiday season in Plymouth, MA, Plymouth 400, an organization which promotes the celebration of the upcoming 400th anniversary of the Plymouth Rock landing which will occur in 2020, helped illuminate Plymouth.

The festivities began with a celebration of some of the residents of Plymouth, MA and the surrounding area and some entertainment at the Hedges House on Water Street.  The entertainment consisted of interpretive dance, an acapella rendition of John Lennon’s song “Imagine” and a celebration of a family in Massachusetts who helped start a charity which helps buy cellphone minutes for soldiers overseas (Cellphones For Soldiers).

After the Plymouth 400 celebration, the city was aglow with holiday decorations (both Thanksgiving and Christmas).

I was a little disappointed at the lack of decorations and some of the decorations weren’t lit by the time we got there.  In fact, some of the better decorations were not on Main and Court Streets but off Water Street like these decorations at CabbyShack and The Tavern On The Wharf.

It is not a long walk to get from Court Street and Main Street.  Just walk straight on either street (Main Street becomes Court St and vice versa).  I was able to take a few photos of the holiday decorations on Main and Court Streets.  It still was enough to get me into the holiday spirit, although it pales in comparison to some of the other displays in New England.  At the same time, the scaled down decorations somehow gave it a more “small town” and tasteful feel to it which is also nice.  Let’s face it, some places can overdo it with the lights and decorations.

The decorations are still up and a few more have more than likely been added.  Plus, there is the annual Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8 which will really get the city’s holiday season in gear.

I did see a cute dog at the Plymouth 400 celebration.  Tully, a 3 and a half month old Labrador, was in the holiday spirit!

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas, decorations, dog, fun, holidays, lights, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Plymouth, Uncategorized

November 27, 2016

The National Monument To The Forefathers (Plymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 19, 2016

Location: Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 72 Allerton St., Plymouth, MA

Hours: Sunrise To Sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There is ample parking at the statue and street parking available on Allerton St and on nearby streets

Dog Friendly: Yes

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: Largest solid granite sculpture in the United States,

Web Site: National Monument To The Forefathers

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Mostly known for the tourist attractions Plimoth Plantation and Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Massachusetts is home to another lesser known, but no less impressive attraction.  In  fact, Plymouth is home to one of the largest sculptures in the states.

Clocking in at 81 feet, the National Monument To The Forefathers is the the largest solid granite sculpture in the United States. The granite was quarried in and transported to Plymouth from Hallowell, Maine.

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The monument, also known as the Pilgrim Statue, was created by Hammatt Billings, a Boston architect, illustrator and sculptor.  Billings would never got to see the sculpture in its final stages.  Billings died 15 years into the construction of the monument, or about half the time it took to construct the statue.  After Hammat Billings’ death his brother, Joseph, worked with a group of other sculptors to complete the project.  Dedicated on August 1, 1889, after 30 years of construction, the sculpture was meant to be a memorial to the Pilgrims who settled in the area.

The memorial has several statues within the memorial itself.  Statues representing Liberty, Peace, Tyranny, Education, Wisdom, Youth, Law, Mercy, Justice, and Morality surround the monument.  The monument wwas position to face Northeast towards Plymouth Harbor and, perhaps not coincidentally, towards Plymouth, England.

Faith, the statue at the top of the monument, is 36 feet tall and made of solid granite.  The Faith statue itself is listed as the 32nd largest statue in the entire United States and its territories.  The statue is pointing to heaven with her right hand.  In her left hand she is clutching a bible.

True to its description as a monument to the forefathers, all of the names of the passengers of the Mayflower.  Recognize any names?  Clearly, Massachusetts, as it would be later part of, was not all that progressive jusging by how women were considered “the wife of” the male passengers.

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The park offers grand views of the statue and it is said that before all of the construction and the planting of trees in the area many years, you could see the monument from miles away.  The park allows for some scenic views of the monument.

The memorial is surrounded by a spacious park and there is lots of room to walk your dog.  China, also known as China Doll, a rescued Siberian Husky and Lab mix, was enjoying the park while I was there.  She looks so happy!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in dog, Massachusetts, monument, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Plymouth, sculpture, statues, Uncategorized

November 11, 2016

Vintage Baseball (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

 

Date Of Event: October 22, 2016

Location: Salem Commons, North Washington Square, Salem, MA (about 30 minutes north of Boston)

Cost: Free

Parking: Parking Is Available at the Liberty and Congress St garages and on street parking is available.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site: Mid Atlantic Vintage Baseball League

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Seeing people in costumes and uniforms in Salem during the month of October is not unusual.  However, the people in uniform at Salem Common this past October were dressed up for a very different purpose.

The Providence Grays, a vintage baseball club honoring the original pro baseball team of the same name,  were playing their rivals the Brooklyn Atlantics on a crisp fall afternoon.

The Grays became the National League’s newest addition to major league baseball in 1878 when they adopted gray flannel instead of white for their home uniforms and consequently became known as the ‘Grays.’  They would remain in the league until they folded in 1885.  During that time frame they won two tiles (in 1879 and 1884),

This isn’t your modern day.  Players wear wool uniforms.  They don’t wear gloves.  And the rules were very different.

One of the rules that is starkly differently from today’s rules is that if you fielded a hit ball after one bounce, the batter was out.  Of course, this rule does not exist today and if it did exist today a lot of batters would make many more outs.  Another rule that no longer exists is that batters were given 3 balls to earn a walk rather than the 4 balls which is the rule in today’s Major League Baseball.  Also, the pitcher pitched from a scant 50 feet away from home plate and there was no mound.  In today’s mlb, the pitching mound is 60 feet and 6 inches away from home plate and, although it may vary, the mound is not supposed to be higher than 10 inches above home plate.

Unlike their somewhat drab uniforms, the Providence Grays have a very exciting past.  For instance, they were the first team to integrate.

If you asked people who was the first professional black baseball player in major league baseball was many people would say Jackie Robinson,  Many people would be wrong.  According to Tim Norton , the founder and president of the Providence Grays.  The first black American baseball player played for a professional baseball team played for the Providence Grays.  William Edward White played as a substitute in one professional baseball  game for the Providence Grays of the National League, on June 21, 1879.

Some fans, like the fans of the newly crowned World Series champs Chicago Cubs, are known for throwing home runs balls back onto the field if the opposing team hits a home run to express their dismay at the other team’s good fortune.  The fans at Providence Gray games did the same.  But for a very different reason.

At the time the team was formed in 1878, the league was still very green and not very profitable.  The fans were asked to throw the balls back so they could be re-used.

The players also didn’t wear gloves.  So, they pitched underhanded and would often lob the ball as it is easier to catch barehanded that way.

I’m full of all sorts of fun facts today, aren’t I?

On the day I saw them, the Providence Grays split their double header against the Brooklyn Atlantics (aka the Atlantic Baseball Club of New York).  The Providence Grays are in the gray uniforms while the Atlantics donned white shirts and black pants.

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I thought this resembled a baseball card.

Looking at the players in their floppy socks and uniforms that resemble loose fitting pajamas, I couldn’t help thinking about the characters on “Field Of Dreams.”

The foliage gave a good backdrop to the field.

The teams do take these games seriously and we saw some good baseball.

If you missed them this year, don’t worry.  The Grays and other teamss have been playing in Sallem Commons for about 10 years.  Check their web site and Salem’s web site for future game dates.

Freya, an 18 month Great Dane (weighing in at 130 lbs already), also enjoyed the game.

Below is a video from the game.

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in baseball, dog, foliage, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 21, 2016

Grace Trail (Plymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 16, 2016

Location Nelson Memorial Park

Hours: Open everyday, dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Highlights: biking and walking trail, flowers, scenic views, stones with words and phrases of encouragement on them

The G.R.A.C.E. Trail in Plymouth, MA, is not your average walking or biking trail.  Standing for Gratitude, Release, Acceptance, Challenge and Embrace, the idea for this trail is the creation of author, life coach and TED X speaker and Plymouth, MA, resident Anne Jolles.  The trail is designed to help people reflect on and overcome their struggles.  According to Ann Jolles’ website, the trail is meant to get people from, “a state of confusion and overwhelm to one of hope and possibility.” Now, inspired by Jolle’s trail, GRACE trails are appearing all over the country.

There may be many grace trails but this one in Plymouth, MA, is where it all started.

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Located next to Nelson Memorial Park, GRACE trail appears like any other trail.  However, upon closer inspection, it is very different.  Rocks and stones with words of encourage and placed along the side of the trail. At the entrance of the trail, there are rocks with words of encouragement (these rocks have gratitude and “just breath” written on them) and a notepad to write your own words of encouragement.  The person who left a message on the notepad about how he or she left someone who was abusive and “free” is written underneath the message.  It’s very inspiring and for the cynics out there who think that may have been a “faked” message (I know you may be out there), who cares?  It’s something people could still draw inspiration and maybe a nudge to do the same thing.  And that is what this trail is all about; inspiring others and grace.

Along the trail, you’ll find other signs of inspiration and grace.

I love how one of the rocks says to “accept…or not.”  You don’t have to and should not accept certain things in your life.

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These rocks encourage you to embrace the possibilities and “hang on” to hope.

There are messages of hope and inspiration everywhere

I know I could really use a place like this with all of its positivity and inspiration.  I would go everyday if I lived closer to the trail.

The trail are very easy and level along at Grace Trail.

In addition to the pretty stones and encouraging words, there are scenic views and trails that go off into other areas like the trail below that leads to the beach.  The views are very pretty along the trail.

The beach offers views of Plymouth Harbor and the surrounding area.

Since it was such an unseasonably warm autumnn day, there were an assortment of boats (motor powered and otherwise) in the water.

There is also remnants of a railroad that used to go by the area.  Flowers and grass now grow where the train used to run.

The Grace Trail is also dog friendly.  Lilly, a 9 year old Palmarin, enjoyed walking along the trail.

Similar Places I Have Visited In New England:

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Clipper City Rail Trail (Newburyport, MA)

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Canalside Trail (Turner Falls, MA)

 

 

 

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in dog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Plymouth, scenic, trail, Uncategorized

October 11, 2016

Nubble Lighthouse (York, ME)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: October 1, 2016

Location: 11 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME

Hours: Open everyday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a designated parking area with about 30 to 40 parking spots.  There are also additional parking spots on the other side of the main parking area on the side of the road as you exit the main parking area

Highlights: lighthouse, scenic, views of the ocean, bird life

Lowlights: Parking can be difficult since it is such a popular spot (there was a line of cars waiting to park when I left and that was on a rainy day)

Web Site: Nubble Light

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Also known as Nubble Light, Cape Neddick Lighthouse is an 41 foot (88 feet above sea level) cylindrical lighthouse on the edge of Cape Neddick, a community in York, Maine.

The lighthouse is actually on Nubble Island, hence the name Nubble Light.  People like to call it Nubble and it sounds like a cuter name.  So, yeah, I’ll go with that.

Originally constructed in 1879 for $15,000 (roughly $342,000.00 in today’s money), Nubble Light is located about 100 yards off Cape Neddick Point.  The light was automated in 1986.

Nubble Light is one of the easiest lighthouses to photograph.  From Cape Neddick, you have wonderful views of the lighthouse.

There is also a rocky area you can climb down to get closer to the water and get some sweet views of the lighthouse.  Uhm, yes.

As you can see in some of the photos, it was a very windy day and the waves were crashing pretty hard against the rocks.  Between the rain and the water from the surf it was almost impossible to keep a dry lens, although I tried.

Since people feed them, birds seem to flock by the area.

The weather conditions didn’t deter this hardy Maine fisherman.  He did catch and release.

As you leave the parking area on the other side of the lighthouse, there are some pretty views.

Cape Neddick is a dog friendly area.  Logan, a 2 year old Red Hound and Coon Hound mix, likes to look out at the lighthouse also.

Video of Nubble Lighthouse:

Similar Places I Have Visited In New England:

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Watch Hill Lighthouse (Westerly, RI)

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Nobska Lighthouse (Woods Hole, MA)

17 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in birds, dog, lighthouse, Maine, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized, waves

October 7, 2016

Street Pianos – Play Me, I’m Yours (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of  Event: September 23 – October 10, 2016 (photos taken Oct. 5 & 6)

Locations: Throughout Boston (see attached map below)

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site With Map: Street Pianos

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If you hear the faint sound of piano music along city sidewalks and parks, don’t be alarmed.  You’re not imagining it and, despite it being close to Halloween, it’s not some ghastly theme introducing an apparition.

Since 2008, the international tour group, “Play Me, I’m Yours” has been leaving pianos in public spaces for all to enjoy.  Part of street pianos and the brainchild of Luke Jerram, the “Play Me, I’m Yours” program has installed over 1,500 pianos in 50 cities worldwide.  The pianos have been artistically decorated by local artists and neighborhood clubs.  Many of the pianos, as you will see below, have artistic themes painted on then that are representative of the area they are located in.

With 60 pianos located throughout the city, you’re sure to find one in your travels if you do travel to the city.   I was fortunate enough to see a few of these pianos.  initially, my goal was to photograph all 60 pianos.  But, since this is the final weekend they will be in Boston, I wanted to post about them before they are gone.  Please note, some of the pianos are only out during certain hours, usually the same hours of the businesses they are located in front of.  The pianos will be donated to neighborhood groups and youth groups after the program is over.

I noticed this piano (with some help from a co-worker) on the way to work.  It is located on the boardwalk in front of the Children’s Museum (308 Congress St, Boston, MA).  The buildings in the background provide the perfect backdrop.

 

Since it was close to my place of business in the city, I was able to visit this piano during my lunch break.  It is a beautiful and actually a very peaceful area to relax, despite all of the construction and the busy street it is located off.  It is located at Seaport Green by District Hall, South Boston.

 

To get a change of scenery, I decided to go into the busier sections of the city Thursday.  This piano is located at the Massachusetts State House at Ashburton Park, Boston.  It was great to see so many people of so many backgrounds using the pianos.  The look of concentration on the pianists’ face below and the ease at which she plays is incredible.

 

The next piano I found was at Reader’s Park in front of a Walgreen’s, of all places, at 24 School St, Boston.  I waited around for  while to take some photos of the piano unoccupied but he played for a long while.  But, I think it is awesome to see someone be so focused!

 

The last piano I visited is next to the Macy’s at 450 Washington St, Boston.  Some people are camera shy.

 

Even the dogs came out to see the pianos.  Charley is a 3 year old Pomeranian with beautiful markings.

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I am truly impressed by anyone who can make such beautiful music.

 

 

 

 

22 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Boston, dog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pianos, Uncategorized

September 4, 2016

Bear Brook State Park (Allenstown, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: August 27, 2016

Location: 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH

Cost: $4 for adults, $2 for children (ages 6-11), children 5 and under get in for free, NH residents 65 and older are also admitted free of charge

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset, campground schedule: May 6 -Oct. 29 (2016), Sun-Thu 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Size: 10,000 acres

Time To Allot For Visit: 2 to 3 hours

Parking:  There are about 50-60 parking spaces in the main parking area (see photo below)

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Additional parking can be found at Hayes Field (see attached map)

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Very popular with cyclists, several large ponds and marshes, teeming with wildlife, campgrounds, archery target area, fishing (fly fishing only)

Lowlights: too big to hike or bike all in one day

Bear Brook State Park

Bear Brook State Park Trail Map

 

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A haven for cyclists and nature lovers, Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire.  Boasting 10,000 acres, over 40 miles of trails, several ponds and other bodies of water and marsh lands, Bear Brook is the biggest state park I have hiked.

Although there were many frogs and turtles visible at Bear Brook, birds, deer and other wildlife proved to be more elusive.

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Bear Brook also has a fishing area, two of them actually.  There is the Archery Pond, which also has an archery target area.  Only fly fishing is allowed in the pond.

The archery target practice area is to the right of the pond.

Across the paved road from Archery is a kids fishing pond for children 12 years old and younger.  A fishing pond for children!  How cute is that?

What my visit to Bear Brook lacked in deer, birds and other more typically photographed wildlife, it made up for in smaller critters.

I did see a few runners and hikers but the overwhelming majority of the visitors at Bear Brook were cyclists.  The trails vary from flat and easy to steep, rocky and challenging.  I would consider some trails to be very challenging even for the advanced cyclist and I did not see any cyclists on some of the more steep and rocky trails.

You never know what you’ll find at Bear Brook State Park.  While walking along the main trail, I came across this grave site for an unknown soldier from the Civil War.  There is no marker for the Union or Confederacy.  The only flag or designation displayed is an American flag.

There is also a stream running under a bridge at the entrance

There are also several ponds, marshes and creeks.

There are also beautiful, vividly colored trees, plant life, spiderwebs (ok, maybe that’s not so beautiful) and a sign that summer is soon ending.

Speaking of beautiful trees and plants, one that thing is hate to see at parks is the cutting down of trees or, as the parks call it”sanitation timber harvest.”  However, in the case of Bear Brook, and most state parks, there was good reason for this sanitation.  Because of an infestation of red pine scale, many of the red pine plantations had to be cut down.  The sanitation began in 2013 and was completed in 2014.  For whatever reason, it’s always sort of sad to see so many open spaces and stumps.

The trail for Hayes Farm does not lead to a farm but rather what used to be a farm.  You can see remnants of the stones which surrounded the farm from the trail.

This is my only gripe about the park.  There are long swaths of land without much there.  It’s very pretty and largely untouched by humans.  In fact, it is such a big park that I was unable to get to one of the bigger attractions, Catamount Trail that is supposed to have pretty scenic views.  But, after 6 hours of hiking and photographing the park I didn’t have the energy for that hike.  But, keep it in mind if you do go.

There is also a campground with a place to park your camper or rent one of their own.  Check their website for fees and availability.

There were not many dogs at Bear Brook.  In fact, Jack, a 9 year old rat terrier from Rhode Island, is the only dog I saw during my trip.

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Similar Places I Have Visited In New England:

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Breakheart Reservation (Saugus, MA)

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Pawtuckaway State Park (Nottingham, NH)

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16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in birds, dog, New England, new hampshire, park, photographs, photography, photos, ponds, Uncategorized

August 5, 2016

Scott Tower (Holyoke, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: July 30, 2016

Location: 8 Scott Tower Rd, Holyoke, MA, behind the Community Field Park at 51 Community Field Park, Holyoke, MA

Hours: Open everyday, no hours listed but it can be dangerous at night

Cost: Free

Parking: Roughly a couple of dozen parking spots are available at Community Field

Dog Friendly: Yes

Time To Allot For Visit: Between half and hour and an hour

Highlights: the tower, pretty views of West Springfield and the surrounding area, wildlife, plant life, easy mile hike

Lowlights: Graffiti all over the tower (all. over), a lot of broken bottles and other litter on the premises, some stairs to the top of the tower have holes in them or are missing, tower not accessible by car

Fun For One: Yes

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The walk to the tower is an easy mile walk with a few moderate inclines.  An easy way to locate the trail to Scott Tower is to look for the overpass.  Walk directly under the overpass and stay on the asphalt trail.  There are a lot of side trails and trees, plants, graffiti and remnants of what looks like used to be a waterfall or wall.  Now, the party days are way behind the Nomad but zig zags and 4:20?  Well, I guess things don’t change that much after all.  You crazy Holyoke kids.

Below is a side by side comparison of what the tower reportedly looked like in its heyday (July 16, 1972), a photo of what it looked like in May 31, 2004 and what it looks like now (July 30, 2016).  Yes, it’s pretty cringe worthy.

As a footnote, the tower was originally built in 1942.  Also, there used to be a fence around the tower which you can see at the bottom of the second photo taken in 2004.  The fence seemed to work as there is very little if any graffiti on the tower in the second photo.  Of course, the fence was torn down (presumably by visitors) and the graffiti and vandalism escalated.

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There was also a lot of rustling in the brush from squirrels, chipmunks and other types of wildlife.  The vulture on the pole we saw on the way to the tower seemed like a bad harbinger.

Once the main attraction of Craft Hill at Anniversary Hill Park, Scott Tower is now a shell of what it once was.  Graffiti and litter cover the tower and it appears to be in disrepair.  In fact, you can see some remnants of what look like what used to be tables or shelters.  Even with all of the graffiti and litter, the tower is still impressive.

Not all of the graffiti was just messy chicken scratch.  Whenever I go to a landmark in MA, especially Western MA, there is bound to be some artistic renderings.  There wasn’t anything too artsy there but these images did catch my eye.

 

Scott Tower has two areas for observation.  There is an observation deck on the second floor and there is an enclosed area at the top of the tower.  The tower offers views of nearby Mount Tom and the Holyoke area.  The views are pretty sweet.  Just be careful if you  do go to the top.  Some of the stairs are missing or have holes in them.

It’s pretty far down from the second floor of the tower.

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The tricky thing about accessing Scott Tower is you have to park at Community Field Park (use the entrance off Cherry St).  The entrance is behind the park.  There is usually a gate up that you can easily navigate around.  You will have to pass under an overpass on your way to the tower.  It is about a mile walk to the tower.  You will see many side trails on your way to the tower but stay on the main trail for the easiest, most direct route.

While I was at Community Field Park before we began the walk to Scott Tower, we saw this beautiful dog.  Remy is a 4 year old Black and Tan Coonhound

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Below are some videos of a walking tour of the tower.  I really had to watch my step in the first video.  So, it’s mostly a video of the stairs and me wheezing.

I had to stop the second video so I could take some photos of the openings in the tower and the walls.

Just as an aside, I am regularly updating my categories at the top and bottom of my posts.  The “fun for one” category at the top simply means it can be fun to do by yourself.  Being a single person, I often take this into account before I decide to photograph or visit places.  I went with my mom this time so it was a lot of fun but it was something you could do by yourself or, better yet, with a dog!

Similar places in New England I have visited:

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Poet’s Tower, Greenfield, MA

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Bancroft Tower, Worcester, MA

Similar places in New England I have not visited (yet):

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Scargo Tower, Dennis (Cape Cod), MA

newport

Newport Tower, Newport, Rhode Island

 

24 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in dog, Massachusetts, New England, photograph, photographs, photography, photos, tower, Uncategorized

July 29, 2016

Salem Willows (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

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Date Visited: July 23, 2016

Location: 167 Fort Ave, Salem, MA

Hours: The website for Salem Willows shows their hours as being daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. but you can get in to the park before 11.  We got their just before 10 and there was already some people there.  I think the hours are the hours of operation for the restaurants and other businesses in that area.

Cost: Free

Parking:  There are about 60 metered parking spots.  The meters cost 25 cents an hour.  There is also about 50 additional free parking spots in a nearby lot and off street parking is available.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Family friendly, arcades, restaurants, willow trees, harbor, scenic walking path, grassy areas to grill, relax and for kids to play, jetty, place to rent surfboards and other aquatic sporting goods

As I entered Salem Willows I couldn’t help but think of my childhood of carnivals and traveling shows.  My friends and I would be so excited when the fair came to town.  Now, the fair is always in town.  In these days of sit down eateries and chain restaurants, it was refreshing.  If you d go, try the slushies or get a cone at Cappy’s!

Salem Willows has changed so much since its original opening in 1880.  Willows Pavilion which featured a skating rink and restaurant dominated the landscape.    Now, the area where the takeout food vendors are located still keeps the name of “on the line”.  But, the restaurants are much different.  In place of the sit down, grand restaurants stand take out vendors and ice cream shops.

There is also a stage for bands and other entertainers to perform.  Named after former  Salem resident and veteran, the Robert F Hayes Band Stand holds a summer concert series every year as well as holding other events.

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But, there is so much more to Salem Willows than nostalgic stroll past the smell of flour dough and the buzzing and ringing from the vendors and arcades.  Salem Willows is also, as the name would suggest, known for all of the willow trees planted to offer shade and beauty to the area.

The mostly shady loop around the bay and back too the parking area is an easy half mile walk.  Along the way there are benches to sit on and a jetty to fish off or just enjoy the views. The views from the bay were very pretty.  A variety of flowers and scenic views frame the busy blue waterway.

There was a lot of activity on and in the water at Salem Willows.  That is a man swimming in the last photos

There is also a place to rent surf/paddle/body boards and other watercraft and flotation devices.

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Salem’s love of art is evident even in the most unlikely places.  These trash cans and rocks displayed some of the street art of Salem.  I especially like the art on the rocks.  Each block has a different symbol of the area painted on them.

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Salem Willows is a great place to bring your dog for a short walk.  Dixie, a 4 year old Maltese, was enjoying the seasonal weather and cool breeze when she stopped to pose for photos for me.

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Video of “on the line” from Salem Willows

 

 

16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in boats, dog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, scenic, Uncategorized, water

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Please stop by and like my Facebook page! New England Nomad

 

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