Category Archives: New England

November 3, 2017

Halloween In Salem – Part I (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

There’s no better place to be on Halloween than Salem, MA. You might think I don’t have any second thoughts about the celebrations that celebrate a dark time in our history. However, I have a different take on it.

I do actually have some mixed feelings about it, though, given the history of the witch trials in Salem so many years ago. It’s a quaint, pretty seaside city with a rich history and things to do all year round that transforms into a party town for 31 days.

But, I love the city for so many more reasons than just the pageantry and fun of their Halloween celebrations although I do find some of the novelty items to be a bit distasteful.

My take on the whole commercialization and atmosphere of the season, though, is that we have taken a dark time and, despite that awful time, we’ve been able to turn a negative mark on the city into a time of fun and revelry. I do think it’s important to remember the tragedy. But I am also glad people are able to have fun and bring commerce and happy times to the area.

I thought I would begin this photo blog of my day in Salem with some couples and friends who have dressed up as a duo.

I think it’s funny how people walk by these, at times, bizarre outfits and act like it’s just another October day in Salem. Definitely nothing out of the ordinary to see here.

I am always surprised by the creativity of the costumed visitors in Salem. The “Cereal Killer” gave me a good chuckle. And the Joker below was the best version of him I saw during my visits, not just because of his look but his personality and the way he acted like him.

One of the more popular things to do in Salem, especially on Halloween, is have a psychic reading. Each year, psychics flock to Salem to offer their services at the Psychic Fair. There are also psychics who give readings all year round.

The past few years I have arrived in Salem early in the morning on Halloween so that I can see as many people in their costumes as I possibly can. And, this year, it paid off. I saw these cute little trick or treaters walking through Essex St. I think they trick or treat at some of the local businesses in the area.

And, yes, there were plenty of dogs in Salem for Halloween.

Alfie is a 1 year old Schnauzer mix.

Luna (on the left) is a 3 year old rescue Terrier mix. On the right is Dobby, a 4 year old Golden Doodle.

Adele, dressed up as Beetlejuice, is a 10 month old Great Pyrenees.

Omid, Persian for “hope”, is a German Shepherd rescue from Iran. Omid was abused while he was in Iran and, after being hit by a car, he was left for dead. But, a man saved her and brought him to a shelter. Eventually, Omid was adopted by a family in the United States. Omid is an inspirational example of how we should never give up and how things can change for the better, even in the darkest of times. You can read more about him and like him on his Facebook Page.

You can also learn more about his story and see videos of him as a pup at the following YouTube videos:

Omid Video 1

Omid Video 2

These cuties got to see Salem in comfort and style.

Thank you for stopping by and reading Part I of my photos of my day in Salem. I may have to post 3 parts to include all of the photos from my trip. Stay tuned for part II!

Please check out my Facebook page here.

6 Comments | tags: costume, dogs, family friendly, fun, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, scary | posted in costumes, dogs, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 1, 2017

Halloween Costumes – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

With the record breaking crowds this Halloween season there were so many opportunities to photograph some really cool costumes.

I always go to Salem with the same thought. “Less is more.” I try to focus on the best of the best costumes. The problem is that so many costumes are great for different reasons. A simpler, basic costume could be much more interesting and funny than an elaborate costume. And, even if you were to focus on only the elaborate costumes, well, they are around every corner as well. So, I d photograph a lot of people. But, I also think everyone I photograph is “photo worthy!”

This post may have a little more gory costumes than I usually post. There’s nothing too bloody and I kind of feel weird mentioning it. But, I also understand some people might not be into that thing. I have grouped the photos into categories. So, you can skip the “creepy” group if you’re not into that. After all, I don’t want anyone to have nightmares later.

Once again, out of all of the costumes that impressed me, I think the couples and friends who dressed up together are some of the best. It’s great to see people get into the spirit of the season.

This Nightmare Before Christmas couple posed with their beautiful dog, Bruiser, a 5 year old boxer.

These couples, families and friends did a great job with their costumes. The funny thing is I have seen some of these people in my previous visits to Salem through the years. I am pretty sure the “Three Blind Mice” in the bottom row visit Salem on Halloween yearly. I love that they take so much interest and passion for celebrating Halloween!

This guy is another regular in Salem during my visits here. he definitely comes up with the coolest costumes. Spolier alert: his costume for Halloween was just as, if not more, amazing.

Clowns and other creepy costumes have also been popular this Halloween.

My favorite costumes, though, are the fun ones.

It’s definitely not an election year. I only saw one person dressed up as a politician and this person is not even in office anymore. He also took up smoking.

Costumes of the witches from the movie Hocus Pocus are a popular costume choice which makes sense since some of the scenes from that movie were filmed in Salem.

As Halloween drew to a end, it was only appropriate for Mr and Mrs. Clause to make an appearance since that is all we are going to hear about for the next few months.

These beautiful dogs are Calvin Ruckus, a 5 year old Australian Cattle dog (blue heeler) is on the left and Bean (or Corbin), a 5 year old Australian Cattle dog (red heeler) is the happy fella on the right. You can follow them at calvin_n_bean.

This brave cat Oliver (5 years old) and his friend Hedy Lamarr (named after the Austrian/American actress and inventor), a 5 year old Chihuahua Weimaraner, took to the streets of Salem. Oliver has similar marking as my cat, Bailey and she probably would have hid in the back of the carriage like Oliver did.

I know Halloween is technically over. But, I’m going to extend the Halloween theme on my blog for a little while longer. Stay tuned for my Halloween related posts coming soon. I spent pretty much all day in the city on Halloween and I have lots of Halloween goodness to share with everyone! I also have a few other extra surprises coming up.

Please check out my Facebook page and consider liking it. Thank you to everyone reading and a big thank you to everyone who stopped to pose for these photos!

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

October 31, 2017

Halloween Costumes – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visits: Throughout October

Location: Salem, MA

What would blog posts about Salem during Halloween be without photos of people in costumes? I had been holding off on posting my photos of people in their costumes until the end of the month. So, I have plenty of photos to show and I may take a few more tomorrow.

These are always my favorite posts of the Halloween season. The creativity and care people put into their costumes is very impressive. Plus, the cuteness factor was on 100 in the photos of the families in costume.

There are so many people that dress up in some really cool costumes. So, I will have to break it up into multiple parts. I will try to post every day this week so I can include them all in my posts this week.

In this first installment, I am going to begin with the performers and people who are regulars in Salem during this time of the year and a few other visitors in costume.

Along Essex St, a pedestrian walkway that is shut off to traffic during the Halloween celebrations, there are a number of people who dress up and pose for photos with visitors (donations are appreciated). Some of the characters that are represented on Essex St are the Addams Family (Pugsley couldn’t make it this year). I didn’t notice it until now but it looks like they even got “Thing” in the photo.

Frankenstein also has a rather elaborate display.

There’s this scary werewolf. I thought I saw a woman in a red hood here a second ago. Oh well.

Spider-Man helped this little girl shoot a web!

This is what I love so much about Salem this time of the year and the performers. They have so much personality (even the quiet ones like Mike Myers)

Speaking of Mike…here he is.

And of course Pennywise. Written on his tip jar is, “Tips to help find George Appreciated.” Good to know my money went to something worthwhile.

There were other famous characters who made special appearances during my visits.

The entire cast of the Nightmare Before Christmas somehow all made it there together.

There are several other performers who don’t have a name or aren’t emulating a famous character (at least not that I know of). But they are still pretty scary!

Witch costumes are also very popular in Salem.

Not all of the costumes people wear in Salem are scary of shocking though. Some are down right cute. It’s great seeing families get into the spirit of the Halloween season!

There were also lots of couples, or friends (I’m not judging or assuming here) who dressed up for their trip to Salem. There were so many cute, spooky and fun couples!

Dogs have a great time in Salem too!

Maggie is an 8 month old German, Short Haired Pointer,

Stayed Tuned For Part II and Happy Halloween!

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

October 29, 2017

Halloween Decorations (Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Locations: Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA

Over the years, businesses and people have both embraced Halloween as being much more than just a day to pull pranks and dress up in crazy costumes.

Halloween has become a season rather than a day and there may be better place to experience the spirit of the Halloween season than in New England.

Below are just a few of the Halloween decorations I have seen in my travels in New England these past few weeks.

Every year during the Halloween season, the owner of this house on Derby St decorates his or her home. The decorator also has a place to donate money to the Lion’s Club.

When I stopped by October 1st, there was only a few decorations up.

However, the next time I visited, the following week, there were a lot more decorations up. This home is another staple of the Halloween season. Frankly, it would feel weird walking past the home this time of the year without seeing the elaborate display. The bugs really creep me out!

To see the display from last year, you can click on my blog post from last year.

There was a special visitor in the yard during my visit. A neighbor was walking her cat in the yard.

This house on Hawthorne Blvd always has some interesting decorations and nick knacks on it property. This tree was decorated with a variety of bird feeders.

Many of the homes in Salem get into the Halloween spirit. These are a few historic homes and private residences that were decorated for Halloween.

Many of the businesses in Salem decorate for the busiest season of the year.

Witch’s Brew Cafe (156 Derby St) decorates their windows each year with different popular horror characters.

Mercy Tavern (148 Derby St) also had some fun artwork on their windows.

Dave Engs Flowers ( 136 1/2 Derby St,) put some spooky statues on his building.

These customers at Rockafella’s (231 Essex St,) must have been waiting a very long time for a table.

Witch Tees ( 172 Essex Street Suite 127) had a very useful mirror.

The Purple Scorpion Body Piercing & Tattoo (140 Derby St) dressed up their shop for the holidays.

I am actually not sure if Fivehands Curiousity Shoppe dressed up their store storefront for the season or if it always looks like this.

So, contrary to some people’s opinion. I am not a vampire. The person that looked in the mirror before me, though!

You might expect people and businesses in Salem to decorate their homes and buildings. But, Salem isn’t the only place people like to decorate.

Of course, it’s hard to pull over some places to take photos of decorations and it’s not usually worth it if you’re in a hurry.

But, I was able to pull over to the side of the ride on a quiet road in Kittery, Maine.

Cause nothing says “Happy Halloween” like creepy dolls that look like zombie children.

These creative “pumpkin people” were on display throughout Portsmouth, NH.I found these particular decorations on State St in Portsmouth.

At least they look very happy.

I also noticed this witch on a telephone pole in Salem, MA. It’s one of my favorites but I think it’s up all year long.

This lucky dog, Dolly, got carried around the mall!

2 Comments | tags: decorations, dogs, Halloween, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photos | posted in decorations, Halloween, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, new hampshire, Salem, Uncategorized

October 28, 2017

Pumpkin Patch (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 21, 2017

Location: Salem Common, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Highlights: pumpkins decorated by kids in the Salem area

Tip:

The Pumpkin Patch will most likely be taken down this weekend

When you ask people about the biggest attractions in Salem, especially this time of the year, you’re bound to hear responses like the Salem Witch Museum, the Essex Street Open Market and, of course, The House Of The Seven Gables. Yet, sometimes it’s the little things that bring you the most joy.

I used to stop by this rather nondescript “pumpkin patch” for kicks to view the pumpkins decorated by students and children from the Salem area.

Now, it is more of a tradition. A habit if you will. What would Halloween be without this display? I know one day it will not be set up and, while many people may not even notice, I’ll feel a twinge of disappointment. But, for now, I’ll enjoy it while it’s still there.

Roughly 150 students participate in this annual contest. The entries are sectioned off by grade or age level and winners are selected. According to the news outlet Patch.com, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest is held every year and sponsored by the Salem Beautification Committee. Prize money is usually donated by Fiesta Shows.

It’s funny how some things that may seem inconsequential and even silly like this trailer full of pumpkins can have so much sentimental value to others. It’s funny how little things can have so much meaning.

I thought these pumpkins looked pretty cool.

Do you have any favorites?

Of course, Salem is overflowing with dogs, particularly since we’ve had such a mild fall thus far. Charley, a 4 year old T Cup Chihuahua, got into the spirit of the season with his bumble bee outfit.

He also had a toy that went with his outfit.

4 Comments | tags: Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pumpkins, Salem, Uncategorized

October 27, 2017

Fall Pumpkin Float (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 20, 2017

Location: Frog Pond, Boston Common, Boston, MA

Website: 2017 Fall Pumpkin Float

Highlights: family friendly pumpkin festival, carousel, bouncy house and other activities for children (and adults)

Nothing says Halloween like costumes, candy and floating pumpkins. Yes, floating pumpkins.

That is what was on display at Frog Pond last weekend as we ushered in the Halloween season.

But, these “floating pumpkins” weren’t floating in the air. No, these pumpkins were floating on Frog Pond at the Boston Common.

Visitors who wanted to participate in the pumpkin float were asked to bring a hollowed out 8 inch or smaller carved pumpkin.

The carvings and designs on the pumpkins ranged from spooky to funny.

The organizers of the event encouraged visitors to come to the event in costume. And they were not disappointed.

If you haven’t attended a pumpkin float before (it was my first time as well) and you want participate in the float event, each person drops off their pumpkin at one of the booths located by the pond. At the booth, one of the volunteers inserts an l.e.d. light bulb. I think it would have looked cooler with a candle. But, since it is going into water, well that wouldn’t work out too good. Then, the pumpkin is put on a piece of wood and pushed into the water so they all coalesce. Periodically, a worker walked in the water to make sure they all group together.

As the sun set, the lights from the jack o’ lanterns began to light up Frog Pond.

There was also a carousel, the Frog of Frog Pond, a d.j. from a local radio station, a bouncy house, bubbles, policemen on horses who took photos with visitors and other types of entertainment.

The Pumpkin Float, which was held at Pope John Paul Park in the past, was a dog friendly event. And, some of the dogs came in costume!

Porter is a 9 year old lion, I mean pit terrier.

Tiny is a 3 year old Chihuahua.

Winnie is 18 months old.

Bijo is an 11 year old mixed breed. Bijo is wearing a boot because one of his nails was injured.

Below is a video of the “bubble man” at Frog Pond. The kids loved popping the bubbles.

Click here to like my Facebook page so you can see photos and videos I do not post on my blog and be alerted in your Facebook feed when I post new blog posts about New England! Thank you.

8 Comments | tags: Boston, dogs, family friendly, Frog Pond, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, pumpkins | posted in Boston, dogs, Frog Pond, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Pumpkin Float, Uncategorized

October 26, 2017

Faint Of Art – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: The Bridge at 211, 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA

Hours: Hours may vary

Cost: Free

Parking: There is limited parking available at the location. There is also metered street parking throughout Salem.

Highlights: art created by local artists

Tips:

Exhibit is up until October 29

As if the Faint Of Art art display wasn’t scary enough, the Bridge at 211 isn’t done yet. While not technically part of the “Faint Of Art” exhibit, the Bridge at 211 also has a collection of other art, both spooky and otherwise, on display in their art display rooms.

Ranging from humorous to downright spooky, you are bound to find something that catches your eye.

As you enter the rooms with all of the art carefully placed displayed, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the sheer volume and quality of the art around you. Where to start? Was the first thought that came to mind. After collecting my bearings, I noticed this interesting lamp.

Mad Hatter by Jane Saunders. Ceramic.

The works of art got stranger and stranger as I walked around the exhibit.

Hungry by Jack Walsh. Found objects.

Old NYC by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on canvas.

Frederique by Dianne McAllister. Sculpture.

Taste For Flesh by Greg Moutafis. Print.

Electrified by Greg Moutafis. Print.

Jack The Ripper Rabbit by Diane <cAlister. Paperclay sculpture.

Sacred Tools I by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

Sacred Tool II by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

#81 by Jim Motta. Mixed Media and found objects.

Glass Skull by Jack Walsh.

The Barber’s Revenge by Lisa Folger. Mixed Media.

Towers of Trepidation by Maria Sciuto Fontaine. Assemblage.

The Bride Of Frankenstein Mummy by Diane McAlister. Paperclay sculpture.

Whoa, now, that’s scary! Prez Dispenser by Brian Best. Wood and papier mache.

Edgar Allen Poe by Maria Sciuto Fontaine. Assemblage.

Crime Scene by Mary Taddie. Tile, marble, lettering, enamel, grout.

Wanting by Susan Schrader. Ink, acrylic.

Trick Or Treat by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink on rag paper.

Chucky by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on panel.

We Wanna See Too!by Charles Lang. Acrylic.

Skull by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on panel.

The Summoning by Charles Lang. Arcylic.

Time Out by Brian Best. Assemblage.

The Asylum by Timothy Donovan. Photograph.

Snake Hat by Linda Mullen. Plastic bottles, paper, paint.

Healing Monkeys (King And Queen) by Therese Devoe. Mixed Media.

Salem Magick Gris Gris Dollsby Rev. Therese M. Devoe.

Fire Monkeys (King And Queen) by Therese Devoe. Mixed Media.

During my travels in Salem I saw these two cuties! Look at those smiles!

Rocky (on the left) is an 11 year old Akita and Lab mix. Joey (on the right) is a 2 and a half year old Golden Doodle.

2 Comments | tags: art, dogs, Faint Of Art, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, Bridge at 211, dogs, Faint Of Art, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 25, 2017

Faint Of Art – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: The Bridge at 211, 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA

Hours: Hours may vary

Cost: Free

Parking: There is limited parking available at the location. There is also metered street parking throughout Salem.

Highlights: art created by local artists

Tips:

Exhibit is up until October 29

Art and Halloween are the perfect combination for Salem. With a thriving art community and its dark history, the Salem Arts Association, “Faint Of Art” exhibit makes for a great display for this time of the year!

The exhibit, being displayed at the Bridge at 211, consists of art created mostly by people from Salem and the neighboring towns and cities such as Lynn and Peabody.

While there is more than just the Faint Of Art display at the Bridge, the Faint Of Art display is located in the foyer or hallway of the building.

The art mostly consists of mostly paintings, photographs and sketches. Some of the works had a glare reflecting off the glass they were framed in which I couldn’t avoid capturing unfortunately. Consequently, had to take some of these photos from unusual angles to cut down on the shadows and glare.

The first work I noticed was very scary and set the tone for the rest of the exhibit.

Nightmare is by Anne Benecke.. It is an oil on canvas painting.

Hera by Joey Phoenix. Color photograph.

Into The Night by Leo Vincent. Reverse oil painting on paper.

It’s Harvest Time by Charles Lang. Acrylic.

Heretic by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink on rag paper.

Masks by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink and watercolor on rag paper.

Gates Of Freedom by Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

It’s Alive by Kevin Kusiolek. Pastel.

One of my favorites is Here Comes The Bride by Carli Kusiolek. Yes, she is married to Kevin. That’s a lot of talent in one family.

History Of Flights And Fancy: Fish Food For Wild Thoughts by Brian Gordon. Cut paper, sewn zippers and thread.

Girl With The White Dress by Elizabeth Sheehan. Oil and cold wax.

Haunting also by Elizabeth Sheehan. Acrylic on canvas.

Nevermore by Sheila Farren Billings. Mixed-media.

Frighteningly Friendly by Cindy Allen. Acrylic. (Honorable Mention)

She Laughed by Maura McGonagle. Ink on paper.

Ghost Ship 2 by Rod Parker. Photograph.

I make that face a lot, too. Man In The Mirror by Leo Vincent. Reverse oil painting on paper.

Jenny by Joey Phoenix. Acrylic on canvas.

The Gargoyle by Nancy Barnes. Pastel.

Another one of my favorites. Monsanto by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

Gargoyle Palace by Roberta Will. Sumi stick wash, pen, ink.

Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

Godzilla by Peter Grimshaw. Mixed-media.

The Creature From The Black Lagoon by Peter Grimshaw. Mixed-media.

Anything You Want But Nothing You Need by Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

Til Death Do Us Part by Carli Kusiolek. Watercolor, pen and ink.

Untitled by Heather Meri Stewart. Pen and ink.

While this concludes the photos from the “Faint Of Art” collection, there were many more works of art displayed in the other rooms at the Bridge at 211 which I will include in my next blog post.

Which one did you like best? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Comments | tags: art, Faint Of Art, Halloween, horror, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, The Bridge at 211 | posted in art, Bridge at 211, Faint Of Art, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 24, 2017

Derby Wharf (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: October 1 & 22, 2017

Location: 174 Derby St, Salem, MA

Hours: open daily, sunrise to sunset

Parking: there is some metered street parking available (good luck this time of the year) and two main parking garages on Congress St. and Church St. Parking this time of the year is $20 for the day, regardless of how long you stay there if you park in most of the garages and lots in Salem during the month of October. After Halloween it is much more affordable.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: historical wharf, pretty views, great place for dogs and children to play

Tips:

great place to catch sunrises and sunsets if you can plan it
don’t forget to look along the side of the trail to the lighthouse for signs with historical info about the wharf
don’t forget to visit the cute shops and dining establishments at nearby Pickering Wharf

Once the site of an active trade port and a thriving market area that included warehouses with goods from around the world, Derby Wharf is just as busy and thriving but not because of its imports and trade.

Built during the 1760’s by Richard Derby, Derby Wharf, the wharf attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year (if not more), each year to learn about its rich history, get some exercise and, mostly, enjoy the views from the wharf.

The first thing you’ll notice at Derby Wharf, after the marker signalling the Salem Maritime National Historic site, is the Pedrick Store House. The Pedrick Store House is a three-story building, constructed around 1770, is a historic rigging and sail loft, which was relocated to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site from Marblehead, MA in 2007. They don’t allow visitors inside. At least they didn’t during my visits to the area.

The ship The Frienship is usually docked next to Pedrick House. But, now, for some reason, it was anchored a little farther away from the wharf.

Perhaps the highlight (no pun intended) of the wharf is Derby Wharf Light.

Built in 1871, Derby Wharf Light was meant to “mark the main channel leading into this anchorage, with the view to its becoming a harbor of refuge which may be safely entered at any time,” The lighthouse is about twelve feet square and about 20 feet high to the top of the cupola.

Derby Light originally used an oil lamp shining through a Fresnel lens (a lens with a large aperture and short focal length). The lighthouse is now solar powered and the light flashes red every six seconds.

During my second visit to the lighthouse this month (I always make a trip there whenever I visit Salem), some of the workers were painting the door of the lighthouse and they were kind enough to let me shoot a photo of the inside from the outside of the lighthouse (visitors are not allowed inside).

Recent archaeological research has shed some light on how the wharf was built. in 1992, the archaeological dig revealed that Derby Wharf was built by laying timbers on the mud flats at low tide, and then filling between the timber walls with dirt and stones. Later in the 19th century, the wharf was encased with large granite blocks.

The main goods which were imported to Salem, often arriving at Derby Wharf, are indigo, textiles (mainly silk), spices (particularly cinnamon), ceramics and decorative arts and artificial flowers.

The pier at Derby Wharf includes a roughly half mile walk to the lighthouse along a flat, wide dirt trail.

Along the path to the lighthouse, there are signs and displays with various fun facts about the history of the wharf and Salem.

Because of its storied past, all of the people who died at sea or on the wharf and the role it played in the slave trade, the Wharf is said to be haunted.

However, Derby Wharf mainly serves as a peaceful place to go for walks, run or ride your bike. It is also a nice place to sit and look out at the views.

Derby Wharf is a great place to take the dog and let him and her play. We have been fortunate to have some really nice weather fecently. So, there have been dogs everywhere these past few weekends in Salem!

Tiro is a 5 year old mixed breed dog. I had a lot of fun photographing him. He was very playful!

Cody is a 9 year old Tri-Color Collie. Look at those colors!

I also saw several dogs while I was walking to and from the wharf.

Bradley is a 4 and a half year old mixed breed. I was so very impressed with how Bradley and all of the other dogs posed for me. There are a lot of distractions in Salem, especially this time of the year. Yet, they all posed wonderfully.

Luna (on the left) is a 6 year old Sato from Puerto Rico. I am very glad Sato is here and not caught up in the aftermath of the hurricane. Grimm (on the right) is a 2 year old American Bulldog.

2 Comments | tags: Derby Wharf, dogs, Massachusetts, neew england, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, wharf | posted in Derby Wharf, dogs, historical, lighthouse, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 21, 2017

Howl-O-Ween 2017 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 8, 2017 (usually the second Sunday in October each year)

Location: Derby Square, Salem, MA

Highlights: dogs and other pets dressed in costumes

Salem went to the dogs earlier this month with the 2017 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.

In the midst of costumed humans, out-of-towners and frazzled merchants, it’s refreshing to see dogs get into the spirit of the season!

The annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade was held earlier this month to let pets and their parents showcase their costumes. In the past, there used to be winners selected. I stayed until the end and I did not see a vote or any awards presented(hence the name “pet parade” and not “contest”). I think it is good, though, since they are all winners to me.

So, without further delay, the dogs of Salem…

Maverick, a 5 month old Black Shepherd, was dressed as a cute little pumpkin.

This cute little bumble bee is Louie, a 6 year old Gordon Setter.

Calling Dr. Wolf…Zirka (Ukranian for “Star”) is a Sheltie with German Shepherd and other breeds. He told me to take two bones and call him in the morning.

Cheers to Raglan, a 7 year old Berne Doodle (Burmese Doodle mix). Bottom’s Up, Raglan!

Oliver (“Oliversauarus”) is a bit of a celebrity. You can find his Instagram page here. He is part Great Dane, part Great Pyrenees, part Labrador, American Staffordshire Terrier. Or, as his mom calls him, a “super mutt.”

Nora, the mummy is a 7 year old chihuahua.

Bismarck, a 10 month old Shepherd, arrested me with his beauty.

Clara The Witch is a 1 year old Morkie.

Freyja the Rabbit is a 7 month old Australian Shepherd.

Shiver my timbers! Tink The Pirate (a rescue dog) is a 2 year old Pointer/Lab mix. Kudos to Tink’s mom who made the costume just before the pet parade!