Category Archives: dogs

October 7, 2019

“Haunted Happenings” Grand Parade (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: October 3, 2019 (held annually the first week of October)

Location: Downtown Salem (Congress St, Derby St, Front St, Washington St, Essex St, Salem Common)

Summary: Salem’s Chamber Of Commerce kicked off the month long “Haunted Happenings” celebration for the month of October. Scores of heroes, monsters and kids came together to celebrate and march!

Clowns, super heroes and super villians were only a few of the characters who marched the 24th annual “Haunted Happenings” parade last Thursday night to kick off Salem’s month-long “Haunted Happenings” celebration.

The theme of this year’s parade was “The Future Is Ours” and some of the participants used futuristic props to fit into the theme of the parade. These park rangers, for instance, had a futuristic robot ranger in the parade!

What would a Halloween parade be without candy?

Well, since candy tossing is not permitted, some of the participants ran over to the onlookers with fistfuls of goodies.

IMG_3432-2

What always entertains me about the Haunted Happenings parade is the unexpected and spontaneous things some of the marchers will do (more on this later).

For instance, who needs feet to walk? These kids used an unorthodox method of marching.

Some of the marchers chose to drive in the parade. The parade participants arrived in a variety of vehicles, or, er, caskets,

Some of the more popular people in the parade weren’t the participants. These motorcycle cops slowed down to share some high fives with their fans.

IMG_3871-3

Holy Bat caves! Where was Robin?

Shiver me timbers, pirates and other characters were also there.

The usual suspects, Jason, Michael, Pennywise and Frankenstein’s monster were all their. It’s a wonder we all made it out unscathed!

But, these guys and ladies were there to protect everyone!

Not all of the marchers were dangerous or scary, though. Mermaids, poets and this nice gentleman who had “lotion in his basket” were also there. Ok, maybe the last guy wasn’t so nice.

Of course, there also were bands, baton twirlers and flag wavers.

The best part of the parade is seeing how much fun the kids are having. In fact, it had some of them jumping for joy.

Just to preface this photograph, I will often bend down, kneel or squat down low when I photograph subjects or events, especially little subjects, so I can be at eye level when I photograph them. So, I was photographing the parade, minding my own business when someone tapped me on the shoulder and got down to my eye level! It was both unexpected and hilarious!

IMG_4172-2

Not all of the great costumes were worn by the people in the parade, though. All of these people got into the spirit of the parade! Or, they may just regularly dress this way. I don’t judge!

Funny story. I saw this cute unidog or dogicorn while I was walking to the parade. Well, it turns out I had actually photographed her at the parade last year as well. Ginger the Goldendoodle is 2 years old. I look forward to photographing you next year and for many more years to come, Ginger!

IMG_3367-2

This was her costume last year!

This is the first time I used a dedicated flash (a flash that is not a pop up flash and not built into the camera) during night time photography. Hard to believe since I have been doing this photography thing for a while now. But most of my photography is done during the early morning, daytime or sunset hours. This is something of a common misconception though. I would later learn in my research that you can and in some instances should use a flash during daytime hours and on sunny days. But, in the past, I was so unsure and unfamiliar with night time photography settings, I would often switch to video when I thought it got too dark to photograph images (this is what I did at last year’s Halloween parade).

I think you can see the difference a speed lite can make (I didn’t use the flash for all of my night time photographs because some subjects weer near light sources when I shot them and I did want to save as much of my battery life for my flash as they can often use a lot of power). Plus, the dark, night time feel can be a good look for photos, especially for a Halloween parade shoot. I think you may be able to tell which photos I took with the flash and without based on the lighting in the photos.

I have learned a great deal about flash photography and the best teaching tool is experience. Although I am still learning, one tip for a shoot like this is to never point the flash directly at your subject. Try tilting the flash upward or at an angle, particularly when shooting outdoors. I am using the Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI and I use the ETTL (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) mode which is similar to using the Automatic setting on your camera. The autoflash, is the mode where the camera uses information obtained through the lens (“TTL”) to calculate how much light the flash needs to emit for the appropriate brightness. The camera then automatically sets the flash output accordingly. My next goal is to learn how to use the manual features to maximize the effect of my speed lite.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page to see additional photos I have taken from all over New England here: Facebook page.

13 Comments | tags: dogs, Haunted Happenings, Massachusetts, New England, parade, Salem | posted in dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, parade, Salem, Uncategorized

July 31, 2019

5th Annual Foxborough Street Painting Festival (Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: May 18, 2019 (usually held annually on the 3rd weekend of May)

Location: 2 Patriot Place, North Marketplace, Foxborough, MA

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: 2019 Foxborough Street Painting Festival

Summary: Dozens of people stopped by Patriot Place to show off their chalk drawing skills for a good cause.

Each year since 2014, Patriot Place has hosted an art festival to raise money for scholarships. This year, they raised $1,000 for the Gerald Roy Memorial Fund. Gerald Roy was a public school teacher in the Foxborough public school system. He retired in 2012 after teaching for 35 years.

The theme of this years festival was “Travel Destinations” and much of the art from the festival had to do with where the artists were from or where they like to or want to visit.

Some people were very creative about their favorite places! Outer space! Why, yes, I’d love to go there, especially these days!

Other artists used other creative ways to describe their favorite places or places they would like to visit. Derry looks pretty scary!

There were a total of 53 chalk colored works of art (I photographed 39 of them) by people from 21 cities and towns.

Patriot Pat was also there to greet the artists and guests.

IMG_0939-2

Patriot Place is a dog friendly venue. Aspen is a service dog in training for America’s Vet Dogs.

For this photo shoot, I relied mostly on Aperture Priority, or as my camera calls it Aperture Value. Since the things I was photographing weren’t moving, I didn’t worry much about shutter speed. However, I have noticed how shutter speed is important to control. For instance, since it was a bright day, I didn’t need a slow shutter speed and while my camera adjusted accordingly mostly it didn’t always. I think the places where there was shade confused my camera when I was using AV. It’s actually easier to use manual mode sometimes. Lately, I have been using manual mode exclusively, largely for this reason, and, of course, for objects or animals or people that are moving. An example of this was the little guy high fiving Pat. Since there was movement I had to use manual mode to slow the shutter speed down accordingly. Now, I almost think I am cheating if I use AV (Aperture Value) because I’m not choosing the shutter speed and it doesn’t always choose the correct shutter speed.

While my shutter speed did vary (as I was using the AV setting mostly), I mostly used a 5.6 aperture with a 18 mm focal length and the shutter speed was in the 1/125 range. I also kept the ISO at 100 as the lighting was not an issue for this shoot.

4 Comments | tags: art, Foxboro, Massachusetts, New England, Patriot Place, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in art, dogs, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 25, 2019

19th Annual Master Sand Sculpting Classic (Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 23, 2019

Location: Hampton Beach, 115 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH

Hours: The beach is accessible daily from dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: Hampton Beach offers a variety of parking options. If you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot in the main parking area it is $2 an hour during the summer. There are also additional lots that range from 5 to 20 dollars for the day depending on when you arrive. See link for additional parking info: Parking Info

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes but dogs are not allowed on the beach during the summer

Websites: Hampton Beach 19th Annual Master Sand Sculpting Classic

Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic Facebook Page

Hampton Beach

Highlights: sand sculptures

Summary: Ten artists converged upon Hampton Beach to sculpt pieces of work.

Sand sculptors from all over North America showed off their talents during a two day sand sculpting festival at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. If you missed the event but you want to see the works of art in person, don’t fret. The sand sculptures should be up for a while, or at least until Mother Nature says differently. They will be lit up at night until June 27.

In the past, I have spent the second day of the festival at the beach watching and photographing the sculptors at work. However, this was not possible this year. I thought I would head off to the park early Sunday instead. The beach was already packed when I arrived at 7:30 (don’t people sleep in anymore?). But, I was able to get shots of the finished products and a few of the visitors at the beach.

So, with further delay, the winners were…drum roll please…

The winners, which were selected Saturday, June 22, and runner-ups are listed below.

First place went to Melineige Beauregard of Quebec, Canada for “Breaking Out.” Melineige’s sculpture represents people breaking out of our old habits. The child in the back of the sculpture represents our “inner child” breaking out.

IMG_9940-2

Karen Fralich of Toronto, Canada, snagged second place with “Samurai.” Karen said she saw a photo of a female samurai while she was looking through old photos with her mother and that was the impetus for this work. You may notice needle like objects protruding from the sculpture below and in some of the other sand sculptures. These are meant to keep birds from perching on the sand sculptures.

Third place and also the winner of the “People’s Choice” (in which the visitors at the festival were allowed to vote for their favorite sculpture) and the “Sculptor’s Choice” awards went to Abe Waterman of Prince Edward Island for “Outside In.” He said his sculpture was about how we perceive others and how others perceive us.

“Life Goes On” by David Andrews of Wisconsin placed fourth in the competition. Like many of the artists at the competition, this was not his first rodeo at Hampton Beach. Andrews participated in last year’s competition as well. David said his sculpture was a tree that grew in the remains of a wreckage.

Fifth place went to another Hampton sand sculptor regular, Greg Grady of New Hampshire for “Ask. Seek. Knock.” Greg said his sculpture was about a person seeking answers and reaching out for a spirit and seeking answers to his problems.

The runner ups were still impressive. It almost seems unfair to have to pick one particular sculpture for first place since they all have so much beauty and it is such a subjective process.

“Connected” by Chris Guinto of Key West, Florida, is about a bird flying away from tree it is connected to.

“Plastic” by Carl D Jara of Cleveland, Ohio, explained that he had been thinking of plastic a lot before he planned this sculpture but his thoughts about the idea were negative. He decided to think more positively and this sculpture was the result.

IMG_9976-2

Marc Lepire from Quebec, Canada, who works not only with sand but also carves ice and wood, sculpted “No Fear.” He said his “dark side” came out while was constructing his piece.

Dan Belcher of Saint Louis, Missouri, sculpted “Hemisphere.” He said that by having a happy face and a sad face in the sculpture, the sculpture shows how we can be a mixture of good and bad. The sculpture depicts our contrasts.

Justin Gordon of Massachusetts created “Hulk 3-D.” According to Justin, the sculpture shows a 3-d like image. By making one hand bigger than the other, Justin tried to show motion in the sculpture. He also said everyone seems to be interested in super hero movies and we’re all looking for a super hero these days. So the sculpture seemed appropriate.

There were also a few cute visitors to view the sand sculptures.

Missy, who will turn 9 in September, is a Golden/Chow mix.

IMG_0050-3

Chopper is a 3 year old Staffordshire mix.

Cody, a 7 year old Maltese, got around in style at the beach.

10 Comments | tags: beach, dogs, Hampton, Hampton Beach, New England, new hampshire, photographs, Photography, sand sculptures | posted in dogs, Hampton Beach, New England, new hampshire, sand sculptures, Uncategorized

June 22, 2019

The Boardwalk (Newburyport, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 1, 2019

Location: 36 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA

Hours: the boardwalk is accessible everyday from dawn to dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: There is plenty of parking (over 100 spots roughly) that can be paid for at kiosks at the parking lot

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: scenic, monuments, art, replica of historic ship

Summary: In addition to its scenic views, the boardwalk in Newburyport has a variety of memorials, markers and art for every visitor to enjoy.

Art, memorials, history and scenic views and a few surprise attractions await you at the boardwalk along Newburyport.

Originally constructed in 1977, the boardwalk had a makeover in 2002. It is now universally accessible.

Fittingly, during my visit the Nao Santa Maria, a tall ship replica of the Santa Maria, was in port.

The 200 ton ship, which was designed to replicate every feature of the original Santa Maria, set sail from Newburyport JUne 10.

There are numerous memorials, monuments and other historical markers along the boardwalk.

This memorial is dedicated to the crews of two different ships. the crew of the Heather Lynne II, a 45-foot fishing boat out of Newburyport that capsized off the coast of Cape Ann on September 5, 1996 when it struck a long cable connecting a 272-foot barge to the tugboat it was towing, Captain Jeffrey J. Hutchins, Kevin Foster and John M. Lowther lost their lives on that vessel.

There is also a plaque on the memorial dedicated to the crew of the FV Lady Luck who were lost at sea during the evening of January 31, 2007. Captain Sean P. Cone (24) and Crewman Daniel R Miller (21) were lost when the ship sank off the coast of Maine.

While the anchor, wheel and sheet of paper titled “Let A Payer Be Said”are common types of articles used for memorials, I found the lantern to be especially touching.

This monument is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The monument was dedicated on August 4, 1989 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Coast Guard. The inscription, in part, states the people of Newburyport dedicate the plaque, “to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard who have courageously and faithfully served the nation for 200 years. For two centuries their labor has saved lives, buoyed our channels, ensured safe operation of ports and vessels, protected our shorelines from smugglers and defended the nation in every major war.”

IMG_8811-2

Newburyport, MA, has a very close connection to the Coast Guard as you will see in the following monument just off the boardwalk.

Along the Waterfront Park next to the boardwalk is this marker which states the United States Coast Guard was born with the launching of the USRC Massachusetts on July 23, 1791.

It’s interesting to note the Coast Guard’s initial primary responsibility was to enforce tariffs and prevent smuggling. Their role has certainly expanded since then.

One of the great things about the boardwalk is there are lots of places for people to sit.

A bench and sitting area along the boardwalk is dedicated to Mayor Peter J Matthews, the 57th mayor of Newburyport who served from 1985 to 1987.

Also, chairs are set up for weary travelers or just photo opportunities.

IMG_8720-3

There is also this maritime symbol along the boardwalk in case you get lost.

I tried asking this guy for directions. But, he wasn’t much help.

Markers along the boardwalk point out historic areas of interest.

Of course, there were lots of maritime vessels in the Merrimack River that runs along the boardwalk. The first boat is the Raven, the Newburyport Fire Marine 2 vessel.

The views of and from the Waterfront Park are very pretty.

There was also art, lots of art, along the boardwalk during my visit.

The following works of art were located at the Somberly’s Landing Sculpture Park along the boardwalk.

Rick Rothrock constructed “Eastern Portal”out of marble.

Wendy Klemperer constructed “Elk” out of steel

Robert Motes constructed “An Imaginary Place” out of stainless steel

Gillian Christy constructed “The Space Within, Buds” out of stainless stell with a powder coat

Dale Rogers constructed “Another Good Day” out of stainless steel, steel and stone

Leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk. And there were plenty of cute dogs on the boardwalk during my visit.

Mortimer is a very agile 3 year old Staffordshire mix.

Peak is a super friendly 7 year old Australian Cattle dog Pointer mix.

And, if Mortimer or Peak get thirsty walking along the boardwalk, the boardwalk has a special drinking fountain for them.

4 Comments | tags: art, boats, dogs, Massachusetts, memorials, New England, Newburyport, photographs, Photography | posted in art, boats, dogs, Massachusetts, memorials, New England, photography, Uncategorized

May 25, 2019

Brews And Dogs (Towne Taproom, Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: May 4, 2019

Location: Towne Taproom, 378 Walnut St Extension, Agawam, MA

Hours: the event usually starts at 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Parking: There is parking behind the taproom and there are parking lots in the area.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Of course!

Website: Towne Taproom (Facebook)

Summary: Towne Tap hosted their monthly “Dogs And Brew” event.

Towne Taproom has gone to the dogs.

Locally crafted beer wasn’t the only thing on tap at Towne Taproom earlier this month.

In addition to their musical entertainment, karaoke and trivia nights, Towne Taproom has been holding “Brews and Dogs” events which allow dog mom and dads to bring their furry friends to socialize. Just make sure they are socialized and leashed.

A food truck from 4 B’s Mac & Cheese was also there and outdoor seating was available.

There were a variety of dogs at the event. And, as you can tell by what some of the dogs are wearing, the first 50 dogs received a Towne and Taproom bandana. The event raised funds for Baystate’s Pediatric Palliative Dog Therapy Unit.

Below are some of the visitors to the big event!

Penny is a 2 year old toy poodle.

IMG_7869-2

Rhodes and May (from left to right) are 5 year old labs.

Elliott is a 5 month old Australian Cattle dog mix.

Missy is a 5 year old Cavalier and Pekingese mix.

IMG_7938-2

Freya is a 2 year old Newfie.

Mia is a 12 year old Boxer.

My mom’s dog Holly is a year and a half ptibull mix

Mia is a 13 year old Boxer.

Rhino is a 4 year old Great Dane.

From left to right is Bruno, a 4 year old Cocapoo rescue from Texas and Olive an 11 year old Golden Doodle mix from Boston.

Towne Taproom plans on having these Brews and Dogs event on a monthly basis. But they encourage people to visit their Facebook page to find out when they will be held. See you this summer for a few brews and dogs!

12 Comments | tags: Agawam, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, Photography, photos, Towne Taproom | posted in Agawam, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

April 28, 2019

Easter In The Park (Boston Public Garden, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: April 21, 2019

Location: Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles St, Boston, MA

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the area and limited street parking

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: flowers, sculptures, swan boats, trees, statues

Website: Boston Public Garden

Summary: The Ducklings were dressed in their Sunday bests as people thronged to Boston Public Garden to enjoy an unseasonably warm day at the park.

The Dressing of the Ducklings has become an Easter tradition for some time.

But, they are not only dressed up for the Easter holiday. The ducklings, which were installed in 1987, have also been seen wearing jerseys of the home sports teams, particularly during the playoffs or other important points of the season. They are also dressed up for other holidays or days of interest, most notably Mother’s Day.

The book “Make Way For Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey is the inspiration for these sculptures. In the book a pair of mallards decide to raise their family on an island in the lagoon in Boston Public Garden. Oh, sorry spoiler alert.

The ducklings are a favorite of the children who like to play with, and sometimes on, the statues.

The ducklings aren’t the only sculptures at the park.

At the Arlington St entrance, there is a larger than life statue of George Washington. The 22 foot granite statue stands on a 16 foot pedestal making the total height of the statue and pedestal 38 feet.

Built by Boston painter and musician Thomas Ball, the statue took 4 years to complete. Because of shortages of bronze casting due to the Civil War, it would not be completed until 1863.

The real beauty of the park is more natural. Countless trees, flowers and plants adorn the park.

The views at the park are some of the most beautiful in Boston. You may see the lagoon that I mentioned above where the ducklings are said to have resided.

I was surprised at how many people were at the park on what I thought would be a “family holiday” for most. Seeing all of the people dressed to the hilt, I do think many people came to the park after their morning obligations were completed. These visitors were having fun celebrating the day.

This creative lady took the opportunity to paint at the park.

Birds and other wildlife are abundant at the park. Fittingly, I did see a few mallards there.

Some animals are so used to seeing and interacting with humans they will eat from your hand.

Dogs and even a cat were at the pet friendly park.

Maggie, an 18 month old Aussiedoodle (Australian Toy Poodle), had fun retrieving a miniature sized ball.

This brave cat named Blue, a 6 year old Orange and Siamese cat, went to the park with her mom.

Now the fun part. How did I photograph this place? Since I left early before the sun was high in the sky and it was overcast for most of my visit, it was easier than on some of the sunnier days, For the most part, I shot with a 5.6 or 6.3 aperture. I even went down to 3.5 and 4.0 and I kept my ISO at 100 since lighting wasn’t an issue for this shoot.

I usually use the Aperture Value (or Aperture Priority) setting. So, I didn’t worrying about controlling my shutter speed. Until I photographed Maggie, of course. To capture her motion as she rain I used a 320 shutter setting and I probably could have gone to 500 or higher. The hardest part of photography, especially for us beginners, can be making sure all of the settings are correct before you click. I can attest to this. As I went into, gulp, manual mode I made sure to put my shutter speed at 1,000 to photograph Maggie. But, I forgot to adjust my other settings. So, I had a few black images in my LCD screen. Once I made this correction the photos came out better. This just goes to underscore the importance of looking at your meter and viewing photos in your screen and adjusting as needed as you shoot.

However, I would caution anyone from deleting files from their memory card. For reasons that are far too technical for me to explain clearly, you can actually damage your memory card if you try to delete images from your card. Everyone does or has done it, though. In fact, I did it just the other day out of habit. Here’s an article that explains it in greater depth: Why you should not delete images on your memory card in your camera

But, another easier way to explain this is to just say you don’t know what you can do to the image in LightRoom or PhotoShop (more on these applications in a future post). But, take a look at this photo of Maggie, the dog I photographed at Boston Public Garden.

IMG_7395-3

I almost used this photo in my post. But, I thought the other photo showed better motion and was an overall photo especially since this photo was too dark no matter how much I played with the settings in LightRoom. But, considering what I had to work with it wasn’t too bad. This is what the original photo looked like on my memory card before I edited it in LightRoom.

Yes, that’s what the photo looked like on my card before I edited it. I was so eager to photograph the cute little doggie that I only adjusted the shutter speed and not the aperture (it was at 22 when I took the photo). I noticed the error and I adjusted my aperture and shutter speed accordingly (the photo I posted in the blog post above was at 5.6 aperture, 320 shutter speed, 160 ISO and 128 mm). I should have used a faster shutter speed (500 or 1000) and adjusted the aperture as you can see some blur in her legs and a faster shutter speed would have eliminated this.

The main point of me posting those photos is that virtually any photo is salvageable or at least you can “save” almost any photo, unless, of course, it is blurry. So, please don’t ever delete in your camera!

I didn’t use a lens hood or any other device to limit sun glare since it wasn’t a particularly sunny day. I did, however, use this when I was photographing the child on the goose sculpture.

You slip on the lens and it can help to attract the child’s attention. It also works with some dogs and other pets (and probably even adults!). Isn’t it cute? While I don’t sponsor items or advertise items, I do like and recommend this item. I will leave the link for this and other knitted “camera buddies” here in case you may want to look into purchasing one.

I hope all of this info helps

19 Comments | tags: Boston, Boston Public Garden, cats, dogs, ducks, Easter, Ester, Make Way For Ducklings, photographs, Photography, photos, sculptures, statues | posted in Boston, dogs, Easter, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

February 24, 2019

President’s Day Celebration (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: February 17, 2019

Location: Hancock-Adams Greenway, Quincy, MA (about 10 minutes south of Boston and 45 minutes northeast of Providence, RI)

Cost: Free

Parking: There was free parking available at the Ross Garage

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Quincy, MA, held their first (of hopefully many) President’s Day celebrations which included games for children, a band, costumed entertainers, an orchestra, a play for children and the Fire Gypsy.

What better place to spend Presidents Day than Quincy, MA, the home to two U.S. Presidents as well as former Governor of MA John Hancock (Hancock has been considered to be from Quincy after the part of Braintree he was from was annexed into Quincy)?

The first Presidents Day celebration included a tour of the crypt where the former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams have been laid to rest. Both presidents were originally buried in a tomb at the Hancock Cemetery across the street. But, since John Adams wanted to buried in a church, the bodies were moved to the basement of what is now called the United First Parish Church. The tomb where the bodies were originally laid to rest is still at the cemetery. The presidents and their wives bodies, or remain, are in the crypt at the church.

Image may contain: plant and outdoor

Some very tall costumed entertainers greeted visitors.

Souljacker ably covered some Rolling Stones and other classic rock bands.

Behind The Mask performed for the children at the event.

There were also games such s air hockey and other table games for people to play.

One of the biggest attractions was the Fire Gypsy. Despite the very cold temperatures, everyone stayed for the entire show.

The Presidents Day celebration was dog friendly. I saw these two dogs during my visit.

Callie is a 5 year old Saint Bernard.

Ren is a 9 month old Whippet mix.

8 Comments | tags: dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, President's Day, quincy | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Presidents, quincy, Uncategorized

February 14, 2019

Salem’s So Sweet 2019 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: February 9, 2019 (annually, the second weekend of February)

Location: Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: ice sculptures

Summary: As part of the Salem’s So Sweet celebration, 23 ice sculptures were placed throughout the city.

Website: Salem’s So Sweet

IMG_4415-2

Salem’s known for a lot of things. But, sweet isn’t usually one of the words that come to mind. However, sweet has become an annual theme in Salem.

The 17th annual Salem’s So Sweet event kicks off with a wine and chocolate tasting gala Friday, Feb. 8. The sculptures were placed at different historical places and businesses throughout the city of Salem.

I figured today would be the perfect day to post about this sweet event, especially since some of the sculptures have a romantic theme.

I am showing the ice sculptures in the event in the same order they are listed on the attached map. I tried to photograph them all when they were lit up. But there were a few I was not able to photograph at night. There is a big difference in the way the sculptures when they are lit up. I plan on photographing them only at night in the future because of this difference.

The first sculpture of a cat was located at The Witch House.

This heartfelt sculpture of Hellboy was one of five sculptures located at Lappin Park.

This photo frame sculpture, also located at Lappin Park, was a popular sculpture. A lot of people would pose in the frame while another person took their photo.

IMG_4430-3

There was some snow during my visit to Salem. This snowflake sculpture was also located at Lappin Park.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change sponsored this sculpture.

SSU (Salem State University) Graduate Snowman was, of course, sponsored by Salem State University.

IMG_4453-2

I love the warm colors of the lights used to illuminate the sculptures, especially since it was so cold out during the event. These kissing fish were located outside of Turner’s Seafood.

There were also a group of sculptures located on the famous Essex Pedestrian Walkway.

IMG_4421-2

This wicked good sculpture was located outside of Coon’s Card And Gift Shop.

This “piggy bank” sculpture was located outside of Rockafella’s.

You might think that since I frequent Salem I have dined at many of their establishments. You’d be wrong. In fact, I have only been to a few restaurants there (I used to like Victoria’s Station). I also liked Murphy’s Pub & Grill which has also closed and is becoming a “tequila bar.” In A Pig’s Eye was a pretty good restaurant too. I’m sensing a trend here. Maybe it’s best I don’t eat at the restaurants there. I may be a curse. But, I’m not much of a “foodie” or eater in general (although when I do eat, I eat my whole plate and then some). I would much rather be taking photographs than eating and I always think I may miss some cool photo opportunities while I’m eating which would really bother me. Besides, I just don’t get very hungry when I’m out in the field. I’m too focused on my job. I rarely eat at all when I go out on shoots. I have heard good things about some of the places in Salem though.

This sculpture of Cupid was located at Adriatic Restaurant and Bar on Washington St (I haven’t eaten there yet so they’re safe from my “curse”). I especially like how the lighting in the city complemented the lighting from the sculpture.

IMG_4460-2

“Boy and Girl” was located in front of Maria’s Sweet Somethings on Front Street.

I actually missed two sculptures during my initial visit to Salem. Actually my camera batteries died (the cold weather affects camera batteries dramatically). So, I grabbed this photo the next morning. This sculpture of wine glasses was located at Stella’s Wine And Bar I especially like the subtle little details in the sculptures. Are those fangs or claws in the wine glasses?

This Mary Poppins sculpture had lights that changed colors. This sculpture was located near the Trolley Depot on Essex St.

This dove was located near the entrance to the Witch City Mall on Essex Pedestrian Walkway.

This Chinese Dragon Robe was located outside of the Peabody Essex Museum on Essex St. This sculpture was representative of their Chinese Empress exhibit.

This “I Found My Heart In Salem” sculpture of the Tin Man was located at the Salem Witch Museum. This seems to be a theme with the Witch Museum. Last year they had a sculpture of Dorothy’s shoes with the phrase “There’s No Place Like Salem.”

IMG_4396-2

This sculpture of a baker, which was the only sculpture that didn’t light up, was located at Coffee Time Bake Shop on Bridge St.

IMG_4385-3

This sculpture, “Roots”, was located outside of the Hawthorne Hotel.

This butterfly ice sculpture was located on Union St at the Joile Tea Company

This beer mug was located in front of The Notch Brewing Company.

This sailboat and these roses in ice were located at the Salem Waterfront Hotel

This sculpture was located next to Bunghole Liquors. Hey I didn’t name the place. The sign for the store is probably one of the most photographed places in all of Salem. Of course this is actually a term used with wooden barrels. But it has a much different meaning for some other people apparently.

“Candy” which was located across the street from the Ye Olde Pepper Companie. There was actual candy in the dishes to the right and left of the vase.

Dogs loved the ice sculptures also. Sophie, a 5 month old mixed breed dog, had a fun time looking for the sculptures.

You can view the sculptures from the 2018 Salem’s So Sweet celebration here

12 Comments | tags: dogs, ice sculptures, Massachusetts, New England, photograhy, photos, Salem | posted in dogs, ice sculptures, Massachusetts, New England, Salem, Uncategorized

November 29, 2018

Halloween 2018 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2018

Location: Downtown Salem, MA

Another year and another Halloween in Salem, MA, in the books. Although I’ve loved s

As always, the families that dress up and visit Salem are my favorite. I love how they all get into the spirit of the day.

The girl to the right dressed as a lady bug in the photo below is holding my card. I can’t think of a better advertisement.

There were also some famous people in Salem for the big day!

One thing that never ceases to amaze me are the creativity people use while designing their costumes.

You’re not seeing double. These two sets of Sanders sisters dropped by for a group photo. Seeing that the theme of this year’s Haunted Happenings was the movie Hocus Pocus (some of the scenes for this film were filmed in Salem and the nearby area) it was appropriate.

Rapunzel let her hair down. Literally.

I’ve always thought there were two Halloween celebrations in Salem. The day time celebration, which tends to be more family friendly and the night time celebration which has a more edgier and festive atmosphere. Also, the costumes and props often have lights that illuminate the Halloween night.

As usual, I saw many dogs in Salem on Halloween.

Rocky is a 5 year old pit bull mix. His coat, one that I see very often on pit bulls, is called a Brindle.

Cannoli is a 7 year old German Shepherd.

Until next year, or next week, Salem.

Below is a short video from Salem during Halloween

11 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 17, 2018

2018 Pumpkin Patch Decorating Contest (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

What would Halloween be like without decorated pumpkins? That is a question I ask myself each Halloween.

Every Halloween I make sure to view and photograph the Pumpkin Patch. It’s a Halloween tradition. Yet, every year I go I am always expecting that it will not be there. And I am sure that will be the case one year. But, for now, the pumpkins are on display every year at Salem Common during the Halloween season.

Over 100 local Salem students, including some from Carlton School, Bates School, and YMCA, participate in the contest. They are grouped by age group

Pictured below are some of my favorites.

The pumpkins are usually on display until Halloween.

Not only were pumpkins were dressed up for Halloween. People and their pets were also dressed up as their favorite characters.

It turns out she really did miss the scarecrow most! I’m glad they’re back together again.

I wasn’t sure who these people were dressed up as. But, I thought they had cool costumes. It turns out they are dressed up as characters from the television show, Dr. Who.