Category Archives: parks

September 8, 2018

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: August 19, 2018 and September 4, 2018

Location: 105 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Size/Trail Difficulty: 4.5 acres/easy

Parking: There is street parking and several parking garages in the area

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Highlights: statue of Christopher Columbus, memorial, scenic, fountain, trellis, family friendly

Although he is not from the area, Christopher Columbus can be considered an adopted son of the North End, a once, and still somewhat, largely Italian neighborhood (although Columbus may have been more likely Spanish they will still claim him).

Dedicated in 1974, Christopher Columbus Park is a family friendly park with open spaces for tanning, reading or just sitting and enjoying a very summer-like day as was the case during my two visits. There are also wonderful views at the park.

The park offers beautiful views of the harbor. Harbor boats can be seen coming and going on their scheduled trips.

The views from the waterfront are very pretty.

A statue of the explorer who the park was named after is located along the trellis.

The 6x3x2 (12 feet tall in total if you include the base) monument is made out of white Carrara marble, the same marble that is mined in Carrara, Italy. It is the very same marble from which Michelangelo sculpted the statues “Pieta,” “Moses,” and “David.” There appears to be ropes and a piling with a float on it by his legs. He is clutching a book or manuscript and a dagger is attached to his belt. The statue was designed by Andrew J. Mazzola and it was fabricated by Norwood Monumental Works in 1979.

A fountain dedicated to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and next to the Rose Kennedy Garden, is a peaceful place to sit and watch the water.

Or, you can use it to cool down like Teagan a 6 month old Golden Retriever.

Lilly, an 8 year old Golden Retriever, didn’t like the fountain as much as Teagan but she still liked the park. I love how Golden retrievers always seem to look like they are smiling. Probably because they are.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden, dedicated to the matriarch of the Kennedy family, has a wide variety of flowers.

But, the pretty flowers are not only located in the garden. There are beautiful flowers throughout the park.

The other main attraction, beside the statue of Columbus, is the trellis. Ivy and white lights are attached to the trellis. During the holiday season, blue lights are attached to it.

During my visit, there was a scavenger hunt by the Dragon Of Bostonshire. This lady was giving a speech with hints for all of the participants.

There’s lots of entertainment at the park. This musician played a heartbreaking instrumental of Vincent by Don McLean.

Another more famous musician was playing at the park during my visit. I could write a blog post just about him. The most interesting thing about Keytar is his identity. Or the mystery behind his identity. Keytar Bear is a local celebrity. But, little else is known about him. Keytar plays at a variety of different locations in the Boston area, unannounced. You could see him at a train station (I’ve seen him at South Station) or any other venue in the Boston area, particularly during the warmer seasons. In fact, it’s so normal to see him people really aren’t fazed by his presence. No one knows what he (I am pretty sure I read the musician is a male in an article) looks like or his name. But, everyone knows him when they see him.

If music isn’t your thing, there are other ways to entertain yourself like a game of hop scotch.

Or, you could climb a tree.

There is also a memorial dedicated to the 9 marines from Massachusetts who were killed in the Beirut bombing (220 U.S. Marines, 241 US Service personnel and 305 people in total were killed that day by the bombers). It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it is there. It is next to the children’s playground and close to the Average Joe’s restaurant. The memorial is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. In fact, I made a second trip to find it after I missed it the first time.

It always strikes me when I read the names and ages of just how young these soldiers are when they die. They had so much more to live for.

The nine Marines from Massachusetts names are inscribed on the memorial. They are:

LCP Bradley J. Campus – Lynn, 1962-1983
LCP Michael J. Delvin – Westwood, 1962-1983
SGT MAJ Frederick B. Douglass – Cataumet, 1936-1983
CPT Sean R. Gallagher – North Andover, 1952-1983
SGT Edward J. Gargano – Quincy, 1962-1983
CPT Richard J. Gordon – Somerville, 1961-1983
CPT Michael S. Haskell – Westborough, 1950-1983
SGT Steven B. LaRiviere – Chicopee, 1961-1983
LCP Thomas S. Perron – Whitinsville, 1964-1983

Below is a video of Keytar Bear playing his keytar with a background track. His music is very chill.

4 Comments | tags: Boston, Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, dogs, Massachusetts, memorial, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, statue, waterfront | posted in Boston, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, parks, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 12, 2016

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 31, 2016

Location: US-5, Holyoke, MA – it comes up pretty quick (about half a mile from the entrance to Mount Tom on Reservation Rd).

Cost: Free

Hours: Open from dawn until dusk

Parking: There is room for about 5 cars.

Dog Friendly: I didn’t see during my visit. But, yes, they are welcome!

Highlights: Dinosaur footprints, Connecticut River behind the footprints, active wildlife, very short and easy trail to the footprints and river

A long, long time ago, the entire Connecticut River Valley, specifically the Holyoke area, was home to a variety of dinosaurs. And you can still see their footprints in the ancient mudflaps of the region. There are also remnants of flowers and even ripples of water from the streams that once flowed in the area.

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The prints are believed to have been formed during the early Jurassic period, making them approximately 200 million years old. Or, about as long as your average RMV/DMV wait time.

The main types of dinosaurs that are thought to have existed in this location are theropod dinosaurs. Theropod dinosaurs are mainly 2 legged creatures. Some of the more well-known Theropods are Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velicoraptor and Torvosaurus (think some of the dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park movies). It is believed these types of dinosaurs evolved into the birds that we now see so prevalent in the area.

I did see a lot of bird life but I didn’t see any theropods.

One of the nice surprises was seeing the stream behind the footprints; the Connecticut River. In fact, although seeing the footprints was cool, this may have been the highlight of the trip for me.

The Dinosaur Footprints Reservation is a great place to visit if you want to check out some cool remnants from a distant era. But, it is also a nice place to go and sit by the river or go fishing. Just don’t stay too long if you start seeing the water shaking. You know, like in the movie.

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6 Comments | tags: birds, dinosaurs, ducks, footprints, Holyoke, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, water | posted in blog, dinosaurs, footprints, parks, photographs, photography, photos, river, scenic, Uncategorized, water

September 10, 2015

Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams, MA)

By New England Nomad

The bridges of Western Massachusetts are not just the ones you see on the roadways. But, don’t let the name fool you. The Natural Bridge State Park has so much more to offer.

Before you reach the natural bridge, a brook greets you at the entrance.

Formed through series of continental collisions, erosion and the meltwaters caused by the Ice Age, the natural marble bridge is the only one of its kind in North America.

Deep crevices and chasms were carved through the years of erosion and warming and cooling.

The only marble bridge in North America, the natural bridge in North Adams is located just off the The Mohawk Trail.

Adding to the beauty of the natural bridge, the park has a waterfall.

The Natural Bridge State Park also has impressive views of the bridge and the park it overlooks.

There are many flowers, trees, rocks, bridges (a bridge on a bridge of all things) and even David’s Bench that give the Natural Bridge State Park a special charm.

During our travels, we met Sasha.

Just as you think you’ve seen all the Natural Bridge State Park has to offer there is a small park area atop the walking bridge. Statues and other structures made from the materials mined from the one time quarry rest along the top of the lofty bridge. It capped off a perfect visit.

Leave a comment | tags: attractions, bridge, brook, brooks, dog, dogs, flowers, hike, Hiking, natural bridge, Park, parks, trees, waterfall, waterfalls | posted in bridge, bridges, flowers, hiking, natural bridge, nature, north adams, park, parks, road trip, site seeing, trees, waterfall, waterfalls, western massachusetts

August 30, 2015

Granville State Forest (Granville, MA)

By New England Nomad

Granville State Forest is 2,000 plus acre state forest and campground located in, you guessed it Granville, Massachusetts. Be advised, the trails are long in between the various ponds, brooks and various other attractions. But, you can drive on the unpaved roads if walking isn’t your style.

Located about 45 minutes from Springfield, MA, Granville State Forest was once a popular hunting spot for the Tunxis. I didn’t run into Tunxis during this visit. But, I did see some stunning views. Take this waterfall, for instance.

But, to really get a sense of the beauty of the Hubbard River, one must get off the beaten path, or bridge as it were in this case.

It’s amazing the things you see when you get off the main path. Like this Frog with his lunch.

Or this artful graffiti, especially the curse words. It’s vary quaint. Oh, you crazy kids. At least I hope it was kids who wrote it.

There are also an abundance of pretty flowers and trees.

About a mile from the bridge over the Hubbard stream, there is the two acre Bahre Pond. Bahre Pond has some pretty views.

It is also teeming with wildlife, like this water snake.

And this frog who thought he could hide from me.

Granville State Park also has some paths off the main trails that have some hidden gems.

The main attraction at Granville State Forest has to be the waterfall. Below is a short video of the waterfall in all its splendor.

3 Comments | tags: attractions, Berkshires, brook, campground, frogs, Granville, Granville State Forest, Hiking, waterfall | posted in attractions, brook, flowers, hiking, nature, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, pond, ponds, road trip, site seeing, travel, traveling, trees, waterfall, wildlife

August 23, 2015

Chester-Blandford State Forest (Chester, MA)

By New England Nomad

After photographing a variety of mountainous, rocky state parks, I thought it was time to mix it up and visit a rocky, hilly waterfall. Initially, we planned on visiting CM Gardner State Park. But, the helpful park rangers at CM Gardner suggested something more picturesque, Chester-Blandford State Forest.

Since it encompasses such a large area (over 2,700 acres), Chester-Blandford has several entrances. The first part of the park we arrived at, Boulder Park, is a rather small area with a pond and a few ill defined trails. But, right from the rocky steps and mossy trails at the entrance it has a unique charm.

The trails also have some unique walkways and structures.

The highlight of the park may be the deep opening off the main trail.

Boulder Rock also has some eye catching plants and wild life.

The pond near the end of the main trail was a nice surprise.

Boulder Rock also had its share of wildlife such as this salamander and mouse.

Alas, our trip to Boulder Rock was over. But, about a mile down the road another entrance beckoned us, the main entrance to the Sanderson Brooks Falls trail of Chester-Blandford.

Pitcuresque views are scattered along the Brooks Falls trail.

Due to the lack of rain recently, the rapids weren’t very, well, rapid. But, the relatively still water and rocky brook provided some good shots.

Sanderson Brook Falls also had a fair share of wildlife such as caterpillars,

Toads

and dogs, like Loona.

After a roughly half an hour trek along some rocky terrain, a number of bridges and some steep inclines, I made it to the falls.

The brooks and falls are sure to be more active during the stormy seasons. But, it is still impressive and worth the trip.

To get the full effect of the falls, click on the short video below.

Is there anywhere in the New England area you would like me to visit?

What are some of your favorite waterfalls?

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2 Comments | tags: brook, brooks, Chester-Blandford, dogs, hike, Hiking, Park, parks, Photography, photos, pond, rocks, waterfall, waterfalls | posted in attractions, Chester-Blandford, dogs, flowers, hiking, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, pond, road trip, site seeing

August 16, 2015

October Mountain (Lee, MA)

By New England Nomad

Even though it’s only August, today was the perfect day for a trip to Mount October.

Roughly, a 45 minute drive west of Springfield, MA, Mount October is located in the majestic Berkshires. The wild flowers and plant life, which are a staple of the Berkshires, were in full bloom.

The wildlife at Mount October was also abundant.

There were salamanders

toads

caterpillars

centipedes

and dogs!

Olive posed during her walk with her dad

Emily stuck her head out for some fresh air.

While it serves as a campground, the hiking trails are perhaps the most notable part of the state forest. But, the most challenging part of Mount October was the terrain of these hiking trails. Dew and rain made for marshy, washed out paths which made it even more difficult when you had to cross rocky areas. Some parts of the paths were also fairly steep.

Interestingly, I visited Woods Pond earlier this year which is a section of Mount October. The blog for which can be found here. Even though I had already taken photos of Woods Pond previously, I took a few more during my visit at Mount October.

Mount October is the largest state park in Massachusetts. And, despite spending several hours there, we were only able to cover a fraction of the area. Perhaps I’ll come back in the fall.

Leave a comment | tags: Berkshires, campground, dogs, hike, Hiking, Massachusetts, Mount October, Photography, photos, pond, trails, Western Massachusetts, wildlife | posted in attractions, dogs, flowers, hiking, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, pond, road trip, site seeing, travel, wildlife

August 8, 2015

Hampton Ponds (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Pretty waterscapes are not regulated to the coastlines of New England. Hampton Ponds State Park is proof of this. A cute, expansive series of ponds that dot the Westfield area, Hampton Ponds is a popular area for swimmers, sun bathers and boaters.

Upon reaching Hampton ponds, I was greeted by a gaggle of geese.

And this one solitary goose.

Hampton Ponds has some very impressive trees.

But, it was the vivid greens and wild flowers of the ponds that stood out to me.

Dragonflies also seemed to enjoy the greenery of Hampton Ponds.

The water is so transparent at Hampton Ponds, you can see the fish that inhabit the waters.

Birds are also plentiful at Hampton Ponds. This swallow sort of blended into the sand on the beach head.

Boaters and kayakers took advantage of the warm weather and clear waters at Hampton Ponds

The motorboats created pretty ripples along the glassy water.

Hampton Ponds doesn’t have any long walking trails. But, it does make up for it with its pretty views.

Hampton Ponds is also a popular spot for dogs.

Hercules stopped playing so I could take his photo.

Sparky happily posed for his photo.

Hampton Ponds is also the perfect place to reflect

or to go fishing

or to just play in the water.

6 Comments | tags: attractions, beach, dogs, geese, Hampton Ponds, lily pads, New England, Park, parks, pond, ponds, trees, water, Westfield | posted in boats, dogs, flowers, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, pond, ponds, road trip, site seeing, travel, traveling, trees, water, wildlife

August 3, 2015

Mittaneague Park (West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Legend has it the Native Americans called Mittaneague (pronounced Mit-tin-aig) “the valley of falling water.” The park more than lives up to this description.

Mittineague Park was, without question, the park with the most difficult terrain to travel that I have visited while writing this blog. The sharp inclines, fences furnished with barbed wire and “no trespassing” signs, overgrown brush, unkempt make shift trails and other obstacles made it difficult to photograph.

It is a shame because Mittineague has some wonderful views.

Mittineague also has a tunnel under the railroad tracks that run through the park.

During my visit, the train passed by on the rickety rails.

and kept going…

and going…

and, well, you get the picture…

But, the gem of the park must be its stone bridges and walkways.

Mittineague also has an impressive assortment of trees. They are majestic not just in their stature but also in their sheer beauty.

There is also a variety of plant life and wild flowers.

Mittineague is also teeming with birds

frogs

and, of course, dogs.

Lucy did a great job fetching her frisbee.

Lincoln posed proudly with his mommy.

And Annabelle smiled broadly for her photo.

Mittineague also has well manicured soccer fields and baseball diamonds and its basketball and tennis courts as well as a play area for kids.

Or, the kids can just go for a swim in the various brooks and waterfalls at Mittineague.

Leave a comment | tags: attractions, birds, dogs, Hiking, mittineague, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, road trip, scenic | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, parks, photographs, photography, photos, road trip, site seeing, travel, traveling

July 19, 2015

Ames Nowell State Park (Abington, MA)

By New England Nomad

Given the less than ideal weather today (gloomy, overcast sky with nagging showers), I decided to visit a “basic” park close to home. Just about 30 minutes south of Boston, Ames Nowell State Park seemed like the perfect place for an uneventful, short jaunt. I was soon to be proven wrong. Ames Nowell is named after, you guessed it, Ames Nowell, the grandson of the 35th governor of Massachusetts. Ames Nowell purchased the land during the the Great Depression when the previous land owner could not afford the taxes for the land. One of the more usually mundane aspects of the park that is usually taken for granite (sorry) is the stones and rocks that are strewn about the park. They seem to be lined and piled in designs and formations. In fact, the entire park seems to be set up with design and aesthetics, perfect for a photographer. Ames Nowell is a 7,000 acre state park with roughly 10 miles of trails (I didn’t walk quite that much but it felt close to that) that encircles the vast Cleveland Pond. Although I didn’t walk the entire trail, I was able to capture quite a few birds during my hike like this goose, for instance. Suddenly, I heard a honking noise. It was momma duck calling and waiting patiently for her (rather large) goslin (no, not that Goslin). There was also this duck who showed me some flying skills There were dogs a plenty at Ames Nowell. I ran into Griffey I met Rusty and Marcus (Marcus is the dog, not the man) Flowers and various plant life is also aplenty in the park. Daisies and lilies among other plants thrive in the park Being that it was a windy day, the water on the pond created some captivating ripples. Ducks, geese, swans and dogs weren’t the only creatures I found at Ames Nowell. I spotted this blue dragonfly buzzing among the trees and plants. Ames also has a number of wooden bridges and walkways over the marshy and rougher terrain. This particular bridge had a brook running under it.

Finally, as I was about to leave for the day, I saw this family of geese being fed by a little girl

Then, they made their way to me, perhaps looking for dessert.

Closer and closer they approached as I photographed. Knowing how protective momma geese can be, I kept my distance until this happened. After eating a balanced breakfast, they left just as fast as they came, babies in the lead.

5 Comments | tags: Ames Nowell, attractions, birds, dogs, ducks, geese, Hiking, Historical, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, site seeing, wildlife

July 13, 2015

Cutler Park (Needham, MA)

By New England Nomad

If you think all state parks are the same, with all the standard fare, you’ve obviously never been to Cutler Park.

Named for the State legislator, Leslie B. Cutler, who helped the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts acquire the land, Cutler Park is majestic in its beauty.

You are sure to find something to like about Cutler Park.

Whether it is the rolling hills,

Transparent water

Or abundant wildlife, such as these robins, chipmunks, moths and even canines…you won’t regret the time you spend there.

Master of camouflage. Can you spot him?

Ever the comedian, Layla stuck her tongue out when I took her photo

Ladybug was wet from her swim in Cutler Pond.

Bodi was a good subject. Too bad I had my telephoto lens on.

Bella decided to cool off while I took her photo

England gave me a big smile when I shot her photo

The 600 acre Cutler Park also boasts an array of colorful plants and flowers. Such as cat tails, chrysanthemums and loose strife just to name a few.

Cutler Park’s trails vary from dirt trails, makeshift narrow rocky trails and wood bridges over the marshy land. The tall trees provide good shade and shelter from the elements. It’s easy to get off the beaten path, literally. But, be cognizant of where you are, Cutler Park is a huge park and one could easily find oneself lost or turned around. Not that I would be speaking from experience or anything.

One thing I noticed that I had not remember seeing before was the clouds reflecting on the shimmering waters of Cutler Park.

Kayakers are prevalent at Cutler Park

People weren’t the only ones having fun in the water. Ducks were dunking and Roscoe was fetching.

Also, off the beaten path you can find a tunnel, presumably once used when the state park was used as a water supplier. Now, it carries graffiti and memories. If tunnels could tell stories.

A rickety staircase leads to some rail road tracks. Weirdly, the MBTA’s Commuter Rail runs through Cutler Park. Granted, it is off the main paths, but it still out of place. At least some people have a pretty view on their way home.

As inviting as public transportation can be, I decided to drive to Cutler Park. But, whether it is by plane, train or automobile, you should visit as well.

1 Comment | tags: attractions, cutler park, dogs, ducks, Historical, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic, site seeing, tourism, trains | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, site seeing, travel, traveling, wildlife

New England Nomad

Category Archives: parks

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park (Boston, MA)

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams, MA)

Granville State Forest (Granville, MA)

Chester-Blandford State Forest (Chester, MA)

October Mountain (Lee, MA)

Hampton Ponds (Westfield, MA)

Mittaneague Park (West Springfield, MA)

Ames Nowell State Park (Abington, MA)

Cutler Park (Needham, MA)

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