Category Archives: photographs

December 31, 2017

Gingerbread In Space (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 27, 2017 (the annual display is up during the last week of each year)

Location: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwin St, Springfield, MA

Parking: There is free parking in the main parking area for about 50 cars and an overflow lot across the street

Website: Gingerbread In Space

Highlights: Gingerbread houses with a twist

Tips:

Today, December 31, 2017, is the last day to view these mouth watering homes

Gingerbread and sci-fi. Sounds like a pretty good combination to me.

Gingerbread houses, a staple of the holiday season in New England, were mixed with sci-fi themes to put a new twist on holiday decor.

The gingerbread competition was broken up into three categories: Professional Division: Bake Shops, Caterers, Restaurants, or Professional Bakers, Adult Division: Individual or group adult, age 18 & up and Youth Division: Individual or group youth, age 8-17. Although the artists could use non-food items in their displays, all of the exteriors of the displays were made entirely out of gingerbread or some other food or food substance.

Christmas trees and sci-fi themed murals lined the walls of the room where the gingerbread houses were kept.

The gingerbread house competition is an annual event the museum holds. They will be on display until December 31. Although there are a few displays that were created by participants outside of the area, almost all of the displays were created by people in the western MA area from places such as Wilbraham, Springfield and Feeding Hills.

One thing I noticed about the displays were how hard it would be able to tell the adult and youth displays apart. The youth division participants (perhaps with a little help from mom and dad) did a great job!

The first group of gingerbread houses on display are the gingerbread houses from the youth division .

“The Gingerbread in Space” depicts a gingerbread rice krispies moon with a gingerbread rocket and a floating gingerbread man with a star background. The artist used crispies, wafers, gum drops, peach rings, Nerds, Smarties, M&M’s, candy corn, sugar, rice, cinnamon sticks, life savers and candy canes.

“Moonwalk” is an astronomy themed display. The American flag is made out of Twizzlers with a pretzel stick holding up the flag. The planet Earth is held up by a pretzel stick and is made out of Airheads.

The moon and its base are made out of gingerbread cake mix. A home made gingerbread house is on the moon with a glass-dome covering over the gingerbread house. Outside the house, the gingerbread man is taking his god for a walk and the gingerbread son is in the space car.

“Imagine” was inspired by the magic of imagination and the power of literature to evoke it.

The gingerbread planets were made by using globe pans. Cotton candy, food coloring, frosting with food coloring were used as paint, gum paste and modeling chocolate were used for decorating. The tower is made of gingerbread.

“Blast Off” was inspired by the artist’s love of space. The main body of the rocket is made of gingerbread with fondant accents and red hots rivets. The top of the rocket has a peach ring and two gummy candies. The smoke from the blast off is made from cotton candy and the rocket is flying in a universe full of giant Jawbreaker planets and candy stars. The universe is made of fondant.

“Somewhere Out There” was inspired, in part, by the movie Avatar.

The display is mostly made of gingerbread or royal icing coated with silver edible food coloring. Modeling chocolate and Rice Krispies treats were used to make the mountains. Fondant was used to create some of the colorful alien forms. Isomalt and modeling chocolate were used to create waterways and tubes. Special icing was used to create the flowers. Silver sprinkles and candies were used to accent the buildings.

As you might expect, “The Star Destroyer” was largely inspired by the movie Star Wars

The planet was made from spherical section of fondant, covered in a gingerbread shell and painted in frosting. triangular sections of gingerbread, glued together with frosting, make up the ships.

“Forest Moon Of Endor (Yub Nub!)” is a nod to the Ewoks home from Return Of The Jedi. Subtitled as, “Yub nub, eboka chu toota!” (roughly translated in Ewok to “This is the home of the Ewoks”), this display is made of Mentos, gingerbread, chocolate Teddy Grahams, Twizzlers, fondant, icing, pretzel rods.

“Hopper And Eleven;s Cabin” was inspired by the hit Netflix show, Stranger Things. (I’m so glad the names and descriptions on this displays explained where some of these phrases came from) This display is made of gingerbread, pretzels, ice cream cones, royal icing, green sprinkles, Wilton spray icing, licorice, mini Shredded Wheats.

“Santa’s Elves” is a display based on a holiday scene featuring Santa’s elves in their workshop.

The display is made of gingerbread, pretzel sticks, Sour Patch Kids, Nerds, Tootsie Pops and royal icing.

“Silver 6” is based on a novel about a giant robot attack.

This display is made of gingerbread, fondant, licorice, Hershey bars, Sour Patch Kids, marshmallow and Royal icing.

“Main Street, Mars Christmas Morning” depicts a Mars town on Christmas day. Since no one has been to Mars, the creators of this display imagined what Christmas would look like on Mars.

This display, which was a group youth effort by the Girl Scout Troop 11248 in Feeding Hills, MA, is made of gingerbread, royal icing, Jolly Rancher’s and leftover Halloween candy. The alien residents are made of Rice Krispie treats. The ground cover is made of flour. The roads are paved with Starlight mints.

“The Battle Of Endoe” was inspired by the movie, Return Of The Jedi.

The shelter and the trees are made of gingerbread. The tops of the trees are made of chocolate covered with fruit stems and green colored Rice Krispies, modeling chocolate, gum paste and assorted candies. The platforms and roof are made from fondant. The vines are made of green candy apple licorice.

“Stary Seuss Night By Grinch Van Gogh” was inspired by astronomy, art, the stars and sky and of course, Springfield native, Dr. Seuss.

This display is made of gingerbread, frosting, fondant, fudge and other food ingredients.

“My Life As A Teenage Robot” was based on a science fiction story, XJ-9.

This display is made of fondant, gingerbread, purple Nerds, Mike And Ikes and Royal icing.

“Empire Strikes NASA” was created by eight members of Girl Scout Troop 20559 from Feeding Hills, MA. The back story to this display is that the Empire has learned of water bears, which NASA has created. These “water bears” are able to exist in space. Will NASA be able to defend these creatures? Or, will they fall into the evil clutches of the Empire?

The buildings are made out of gingerbread using various cookie cutters for gingerbread decorations. Darth Vader is made out of fondant. Various candies and frosting were used to create the parking lot and the decorations. Marshmallow Stormtroopers were decorated with an edible decorating pen.

“Yoda’s Hut” was inspired by the Star Wars series of films, particularly The Empire Strikes Back, and by some friends of the artist who had submitted a display last year.

This display is made out of gingerbread, fondant, poured sugar, candy canes, brownie brittle, caramel bits and Rice Krispie treats.

“Elf Of The North” was inspired by a fantasy movie.

The display is made out of candy canes, taffy, maple syrup, sugar, pretzels, gumdrops, ice cream cones, fondant and other candy.

Adult division:

“UFO Rest Stop” is made of a gingerbread UFO that was painted with a colored sugar glaze. The leg supports are made out of Cow Tales candy. The asteroid landscape is hand-sculpted gingerbread. The aliens were made out of fondant. In the cockpit are computers made out of Chicklit gum.

The artist of this gingerbread house said, “UFO sightings have always been a part of science fiction culture.”

“Wall-E and Eve” is made out of structural gingerbread. Frosting, fondant and various candies were used for details and coloring.

The artist said the idea of this gingerbread house display was inspired by the movie WALL-E but more importantly by the theme of WALL-E and EVE looking out for each other and that, “taking care of each other is the most important thing we can do.”

“Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” is made of frosting, edible paint, glitter, pretzels, mints, M&M’s, sprinkles, Frosted Mini Wheat cereal, peppermint and cookies.

“Alien Spaceship” was inspired by the artists’ overall love of anything sci-fi and the show The Orville. This display was created by a mother and son team.

The spaceship is made of gingerbread over Rice Krispies treats which were coated with vanilla frosting and silver cake gems. The windows striping on the ship and the sky were all made with icing and food coloring. The candies on the ship are Skittles, Sixlets, Mini Starbursts and Gobstoppers. The lights on the ship are made of citrus gummies and the aliens are Sour Patch Kids. Edible cake decorations were used for the stars and Necco Wafers with Pixie Stick powder comprise the comets.

“WALL-E and EVE’s First Christmas Together.” WALL-E is constructed from gingerbread, icing, fondant and sugar work. Eve is made out of Rice Krispy treats and fondant.

The name of this display, “Don’t Panic”, came from the Douglas Adams book The Hitch-Hikers Guide To The Universe. The characters are made of gum paste. The roofs are made of black licorice. Gingerbread, candy canes, rock candy, fabric, edible paper, sour apple strings, colored sprinkles, decogel, Starlight candies, gum drops, ice cream cones and other foods make up the rest of the display.

“Signs Of Christmas” is largely based on the movie Signs and a science fiction story with a holiday twist.

The ingredients used to make the display are Graham Crackers, Royal icing, fondant, buttercream frosting, coconut flakes, gumdrops, spiral mints and sugar sprinkles.

“The Time Machine” is based on the book and film(s) of the same name.

The display is made of gingerbread, pasta, fondant, Rice Krispy treats, coconut, gum paste, gumballs, sprinkles and Mike And Ikes.

The vision of “Magical Moments” was to create “stained glass” windows and shining sugar creations.

This display is made of sugar, corn syrup, marshmallows, candy corn, candy canes, Halloween chocolates, lollipops, sprinkles, Tootsie Rolls and gingerbread.

“When Worlds Collide” is an homage to Star Wars and the famous parody of Star Wars, Space Balls. In an attempt to evade the evil Dark Helmet, The Eagle 5 Space RV hyper spaced to the wrong destination and ended up in the atmosphere of Tatooine where C3PO, R2D2 and BB8 were there to greet them.

The display is made of gingerbread and an assortment of candies.

“Merry Droidmas” is a homage to the Star Wars characters R2D2 and BBB8.

This display was made out of sugar sheets, modeling chocolate, royal icing, licorice and chocolate candies.

Professional division:

“Baking Up Galactic Fun” was created by Chef Janice Desmarais. It is made of fondant, crushed, candies, crackers, cereals, royal icing and gingerbread. And, yes, as the photos suggest, the lights do blink. Janice is the head chef at Japonaise Bakery in Brookline, MA.

“Out Of This World Magical Christmas” is a message of joy and peace and love. The monster and friends are shining light of Christmas on the world.

This display is made of gingerbread, frosting, candies and lights.

“Winter Wizards Magic Corn Farm They Came From Outer Space” is the creme de la cream (pun very much intended) of the competition.

The artist said he was inspired the movies The Day The Earth Stood Still and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He wanted to included a farm setting, replete with a crop circle which was left behind by the spaceship in the display.

lThis display was made by a participant who creates gingerbread displays every year for the competition. One of the staff workers at the museum told me it took several people to carry it carefully to the room (up a flight of stairs mind you). The artist, Eric Hirsh from Mystic, CT, makes the general shape of the gingerbread display. Then, when the museum tells him the particular theme each year, he tailors his display to the particular theme.

The display is made out of Mike And Ikes, Twizzlers, Kit-Kat, black sesame seed, Skittles, black licorice, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, gummy bears, candy corn, Harvest Mix, Mini Oreos, gumballs, candy canes, Hershey bars, Jolly Rancher lollipops, ice cream cones, frosting and gingerbread.

You could vote for a display from each division and there was a sheet for children, or anyone really I suppose, to look for and check off different aspects from all of the displays. For instance, one of the questions asks how many WALL-E’s are in the exhibit. It’s a great way to get children more involved and make the exhibit even more fun!

2017 has been a great year blogging! I have met some very interesting and amazing people, and, of course, dogs! I wanted to thank everyone who has read my posts, allowed me to photograph them and their dogs and for all of the support this year! I look forward to sharing many more of my adventures and experiences in the upcoming year! Here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2018!

A great way to start of the new year would be to check out my Facebook page and consider joining my page!

4 Comments | tags: Gingerbread Houses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum | posted in Gingerbread Houses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum, Uncategorized

December 29, 2017

History On The Homefront: The Power Of The Poster (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 5, 2017

Location: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwin St, Springfield, MA

Parking: There is free parking in the main parking area for about 50 cars and an overflow lot across the street

Website: History On The Homefront

Highlights: posters from the World War I era

Tips:

The exhibit is no longer on display (it ran during the summer of 2017

War and propaganda have gone together for as far back as America itself. In fact, the currently prevalent “Don’t Tread On Me” flags you may often notice at rallies and on bumper stickers was originally a propaganda piece created by Benjamin Franklin and adopted by the Continental some 240 years.

Propaganda, as a weapon, may be just as an important tool as any bomb or bullet.

Springfield (MA) Museum’s “History On The Homefront” exhibit, on display during the summer of this year are evidence of the importance and the effect of propaganda.

The posters, on loan from some museum patrons, do not just to promote America’s efforts in the war, they were also meant to promote helping the soldiers abroad.

What struck me most while I researched this post was just how connected people were at this time with not only the military but also the government. Not only did just about every fit male of service age serve, if they did not serve, everyone seemed to know someone who was serving. And those that could not or would not serve often volunteered in other ways. Their service, “voluntary rationing” and volunteerism for the war effort is very impressive.

The posters were created by such artists as James Montgomery Flagg, Marie D. Page and, in the photo below, Charles Buckles Falls.

Book Wanted For Our Men In Camp And Over There by Charles Buckles Falls.

Hey Fellows by John E Sheridan.

The call to donate books was met by the public. According to the literature from the exhibit, the American Library Association (ALA) distributed 7 to 10 million books and magazines that were generously donated by the public to more than 500 locations including military hospitals.

You can still donate books to soldiers by visiting the aptly named website, Books For Soldiers. Or at the website Operation Paperback.

Food Is Ammunition by John E Sheridan.

Save…, Wheat… by Frederic G. Cooper

With many of the people who would have worked on farms away overseas and food shortages becoming prevalent, it was evident that people needed to cut back on their food intake. In what is for many of us a “world of plenty”, it is often hard to realize just how much a food shortage could affect a country. We often take this way too much for granted.

Instead of implementing food rationing, which President Roosevelt thought would lower morale, President Roosevelt decided to work with the Division of Pictorial Publicity to encourage people to voluntarily cut back to help with food shortages. Themes like “Meatless Monday” (some of us still do this) and “Wheatless Wednesdays” (yum) were announced. People were also encouraged to eat local and even grow their own food. Many people followed this suggestion and created their own “Victory Garden.” One of the rallying cries from the effort was “Food Will Win The War.”

Eat More Corn, Oats and Rye Products by L.E. Britton

He Can Win by Dan Smith.

This poster by Dan Smith was a tribute to the Red Cross. Looking for a way to help those fighting overseas, people turned to the Red Cross to make donations and volunteer. President Wilson appointed a War Council to help raise funds and expand the organization and people responded. It is estimated that at its height 22 million women joined the American Red Cross during the war. The most popular means for helping the red Cross was by knitting goods.

The American Red Cross still helps people in the military and military families to this day.

Building For Health by Marie D Page

At the Sign of the red Triangle – the YMCA keeps the home ties from breaking by John F. Butler.

The last evidence that anybody cares by John F. Butler

To maintain morale and keep the men serving overseas mentally and emotionally stable, the Department of War asked 7 community organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the YWCA and the YMCA to provide social, health and welfare services to the people serving overseas.

During World War I, the YMCA provided 90 percent of all welfare work to the troops of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. They operated rest and recreation leave centers. They also served 8,000 troop trains, provided 4,000 huts for recreation and 1,500 canteens and post exchanges. At their centers, the YMCA volunteers offered religious support, entertainment and miscellaneous items such as trading cards and books.

The Soldiers by Harold J Rabinovitz

The World Cannot Live Half Slave, Half Free by an unknown artist.

This poster (above) was made by the Committee of Public Information which was headed by (in)famous muckraker George Creel. The committee was tasked with “selling” the war. The committee created posters and other propaganda related items to portray the kaiser as a barbarian and spread sensational stories of German soldiers committing atrocities against innocent civilians. These stories of atrocities would later be discredited. Yet, the committee proved to be effective in their efforts.

I want you for U.S. Army – Nearest recruiting station by James Montgomery Flagg.

While this image may be the most recognizable image of Uncle Sam, it is not the first. In fact, legend has it the first use of the Uncle Sam personality was during the War Of 1812 and the first use of Uncle Sam in formal literature was in a book written by Frederick Augustus Fidfaddy, Esq in 1816. Nevertheless, this remains the most popular use of the Uncle Sam character.

He is Getting Our Country’s Signal – Are You? Join The Navy by an unknown artist

And they thought we couldn’t fight – Victory Liberty Loan by Vic Forsythe.

There was also a display of items from World War I

The helmet in the photo is a U.S. Army Helmet Model 1917. This helmbet was modeled after the British Army Helmet (called a “soup bowl” helmet). The binoculars to the right in the photo were used by the Troops of the 104th during World War I. In the middle of the photo are a prayer book, personal information card and holy medal which were carried by Francis Lynch. Lynch is the man shown in the photo to the left. Lynch’s photos may have been chosen because he was a Springfield (MA) native (the same city as the museum’s location). Francis lied about his age and joined the U.S. Army in 1917 at the age of 16 using his older brother Daniel’s name.

6 Comments | tags: Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, propaganda, Springfield, Springfield Museum, war posters | posted in Massachusetts, New England, photograph, photographs, photography, photos, Springfield, Uncategorized, war posters

December 25, 2017

27th Annual Gingerbread House Contest (Portsmouth, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 17, 2017

Location: Discover Portsmouth, 10 Middle Street
Portsmouth NH 03801

Hours: Open March 18, through December 23, 2017, 9:30-5, Daily and First Fridays until 8pm for Art ‘Round Town

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots in the Portsmouth area. The closest lot to the exhibit is on Bridge St (enter 1 Bridge St in your GPS). It is literally across the street from Discover Portsmouth

Handicapped Accessible:

Website:2017 Gingerbread Houses

Highlights: Gingerbread houses

Tips:

The Gingerbread Houses are on display from Dec.1 until Dec. 23 each year
Most parking lots in the area don’t start charging until 12 p.m. on Sunday, although you can park there by 9 or 10 and park for free until noon time

Each Christmas the Portsmouth Historical Society sponsors a Gingerbread House competition. Besides being delicious looking, the gingerbread houses on display

The houses ranged from the elaborate to basic. Most of the houses were created by children. But there were some adult, non profit, business and family entries as well.

Some of the gingerbread houses already had winning ribbons on them.

Below are all of the gingerbread houses on display before Christmas. They are no longer on display, at least not until next year’s competition.

St. Nichols – Family Entry

The Candy Factory – Youth Group

Candy Factory Restaurant – Youth Group

The Ox Cart Man _ Youth Group

Candy Land – Family Entry

Winter Lighthouse – Youth Group entry

Holiday Lighthouse – Youth Group entry

The Holiday barn – Youth group entry

The Yummy House _ Youth Group entry

John Paul Jones House (a replica of the landmark house on the same street as the historical society) – Adult Entry

The Ice House – Adult Entry

Cottage Christmas – Youth Group entry

Lost In The Snow – Family Entry

Montessori Magic On Dover’s 6th Street – Adult Entry

Home Sweet Home – Youth Group

Surf Shop – Youth Group Entry

Candyland Palace – Youth Group

The Skating Snowflake Lodge – Youth Group

The Year Santa Got Stuck – Adult Entry

Frozen Wonderland – Family Entry

Day After The Storm – Youth Group

Fisher Cat Express – Youth Group

We Fish You A Merry Xmas – Family Entry

Panda Christmas – Family Entry

The Elves Garden – Youth Group

The Island Villa – Youth Group

Cindy Lou Who Gets An IPhone – Adult Entry

Gingerbread Council – Organization Entry

Gingerbread Mouse – Family Entry

The Moffatt-Ladd House – Business Entry

Bright Lights And Nothing But Blue Skies

Stained Glass Cathedral – Adult Entry

The Winter House – Youth Group

The Christmas Barn – Youth Group

Winter Camping – Youth Group

Easy Peasy Winter Breezy – Youth Group

Mushroom Castle – Youth Group

Snowy Cottage – Youth Group

Winter In Paradise Falls – Youth Group

The Ginga Ninja’s of New Castle – Youth Group

Sweet Holiday – Adult Entry

Madi’s House – Youth Group

Harborside Christmas – Youth Group

Candy Village – Family Entry

Bunny School – Youth Group

Snowy Land Stadium – Youth Group

Arrested For Breaking And Entering – Adult Entry

Winter House – Youth Group

Pink Wonderland – Youth Group

Santa’s Snow Coaster – Family Entry

The Lonely Lodge – Youth Group

Winter Wonderland – Youth Group

Sweet Shack – Youth Group

Christmas In Gillette – Business Entry

Emmet’s House – Youth Group

The Candy House – Family Entry

Celebrating Together Because Families Come First – Nonprofit Entry

Halloween Hut – Youth Group

Elf Village _ Youth Group

Hansel & Gretel’s Mansion – Youth Group

Hurricane Irma – Youth Group

Troop Club House – Youth Group

Snowmobile – Youth Group

The House Of Candy Past – Family Entry

California Garden – Family Entry

The Three Disney Eers – Youth Group

Fort Constitution – Youth Group

Hoping For A White Christmas (and their wish came true) – Family Entry

Temple Israel In Honor Of Rabbi Senter – Adult Entry

The Village – Youth Group

Santa’s Coming – Adult Entry

Castle Byers – Youth Group

Christmas House – Youth Group

The Babysitting Palace – Youth Group

Merrily We Go Around – Business/Non-Profit Entry

Little Harbor Chapel – Adult Entry

Polar Pond – Youth Group

Igloo Oasis – Youth Group

The Crusher – Youth Group

Meowy Christmas – Family Entry

Cutts Mansion – Adult Entry

Looking at all of those gingerbread houses can make you hungry. Not to worry. The historical society has your back. Cans of loose candy are scattered throughout the displays.

The historical society was decorated tastefully for the holiday event.

After viewing the gingerbread houses, visitors were given the opportunity to build their own gingerbread houses on the second floor of the historical society.

Which gingerbread house(s) did you like best?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and successful 2018!

6 Comments | tags: Christmas, Discover Portsmouth, Gingerbread Houses, holidays, New England, new hampshire, photographs, Photography, photos, portsmouth | posted in Christmas, Discover Portsmouth, Gingerbread Houses, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, portsmouth, Uncategorized

December 22, 2017

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Newington, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 23, 2017

Location: Arboretum Drive West, Newington, New Hampshire

Hours: open daily, dawn to dusk

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, some trails have boardwalks and are not too steep or difficult

Parking: There are about 40 parking spaces in the main parking area (people do park on the side of the road when the spaces fill up)

Website: Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Trail Map: Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge Trail Map

Trail Size/Difficulty: 1,000 acres, easy to moderate trails

Highlights: easy trails, scenic views, boardwalks, wildlife

Tips:

mosquitoes, ticks and poison ivy are a common issue at the refuge
bald eagles, especially during the winter, are a common sight there

One of the more overlooked parks in New Hampshire, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, pretty flowers (when in bloom) and scenic views.

Great Bay has a boardwalk with an overlook at the main trail at the parking area.

Across from the main parking area is a fenced off area that was once used to be used as a weapons storage area for the nearby Pease Air Force Base.

The trails at Great Bay are fairly easy with a few very moderate inclines.

There is a bridge along the trail as well as an overlook with a view of the bay.

When I went to visit there were still lots of flowers in bloom.

There were lots of chipmunks and squirrels scurrying around gathering acorns for the upcoming winter. I saw this little critter while I was walking along the boardwalk. If you look closely, you can see what looks like a cut or injury to his or her head just above his or her left eye. It is a sign of how unyielding and harsh nature can be. But, it is also a sign of how resilient and hardy animals are regardless of their size. I have to admit I wanted to take this little fella home and nurse the chipmunk back to health. But, as you can see from the photo, wildlife has a way of healing and surviving.

Chipmunks aren’t the only animals at the refuge. There are birds, turkeys and turtles as well as other types of wildlife and insects there.

The one downside of Great Bay, for me at least, is that dogs are not allowed there. However, I did see some evidence of them and I do think they visit from time to time, although I did not see any during my visit.

Leave a comment | tags: birds, chipmunks, New England, new hampshire, Newington, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, turkeys, turtles | posted in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, New England, new hampshire, Newington, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, wildlife

December 18, 2017

Murals (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 7, 2017

Location: Congress St, Harbor St, Ward St, Lafayette St, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Accessible every day 24 hours

Parking: Street parking is available or you can park at the parking garage at 10 Congress St

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Websites: Belin Mural

Medicine Man Mural

Highlights:murals

Tips:

most of the murals are on Wards St and Harbor St
some of these murals are in residential areas or painted on apartment complexes

Sometimes poor judgment can lead to good outcomes. Such was the case when I decided, against my better judgment, to visit Salem, MA (the Halloween headquarter of America) on a Saturday afternoon in October. Parking was sparse (all of the main parking lots and parking spaces were taken or full). But, because I had to park farther away from the downtown area, we spotted another hidden treasure in the city.

These murals were found on Congress St

But, most of the murals are located on Harbor St and Ward St.

These murals were all located along a wall on Harbor St. Some of them were so well done they actually looked like photographs.

As these murals show, Salem is so much more than scary monsters and witchcraft lore.

So, the next time you’re in Salem, don’t just spend your time looking for ghosts and goblins, make sure to stop by and take a look at these works of art!

10 Comments | tags: art, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

December 16, 2017

Artists’ Row (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Location: Artists’ Row is located off Derby and Essex St

Hours: open daily

Cost: Free

Parking: There is street parking available throughout Salem and parking garages are available as well

Handicapped Accessble: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Artists’ Row

Highlights: Art displays, shops, restaurant, holiday displays

A haven for artists, art lovers or just people looking for unique works of art, Atists’ Row is another area which showcases the art and creativity of Salem.

I photographed Artists’ Row during my many excursions to Salem during the month of October.

As the name suggests, art is evident throughout the row.

From time to time, Artist Row has different art on display throughout the alley. This particular art display was on exhibit during my visits. The lettering and images bumped out so you can feel the images even if you couldn’t see them. I especially like the references to Salem that are portrayed throughout the work of art.

Art is abundant along the Row.

You can not only view art on Artists’ Row. You can create you own art as well.Artists of all ages and backgrounds have the chance to create their own or just sit and enjoy the art around them. The tables with the plants growing out off them are one of the favorites of the visitors at Arrtists’ Row.

These rocks with words and quotes painted on them are piled on the side of the row for anyone in need of some inspiration.

These helpful signs show you which direction to go if you are lost.

The shops along the row offer a variety of handmade crafts and other creative works of art.

The shops on Artists Row have to sign leases each year and, due to the weather conditions, some of the shops are not open year round. So it is possible that some of the shops listed below may not be there when you visit.

Grace & Diggs has a variety of handmade, items all made by the owner Linda. Many of the goods there have a very Halloween in Salem theme.

There is also a stand with hats on them that you can take a selfie with and post on Facebook (don’t forget to hashtag Grace&Diggs when you post the photo)!

Ceramics By Sibel also has a variety of arts and crafts, all hand made by Sibel. Many of her works are made using clay. On her website, Sibel says she is “made of clay. It is in my DNA.” When she is not operating her business, Sibel sells her art at fairs and other markets (she is only by appointment only in Nov and Dec and her business is closed after Dec until May)

Sibel was busy working on a new piece of art during my visit.

Boston Woodturning is another shop on the row. Boston Woodturning creates crafts out of wood at their shop. They also held a fun event in October in which they helped create and design little ghosts and scarecrows out of recycled materials for the children who stopped by their store.

The one mainstay throughout the year is the Lobster Shanty.

Sounds like my kind of place!

Now that the huge crowds of the Halloween season have long since dispersed and the area is tastefully decorated for the holiday season, it may be a great time to visit Artists’ Row.

Dogs like to walk among the art on Artist’ Row. Must be because of all of the trees there.

Bernie is a 10 year old Rat Terrier. His mom said he thinks he is the “Mayor Of Salem”. Take that, Kim Driscoil!

Hugo is a 9 year old Great Pyrenees. You can follow him on Instagram at hugoofsalem

6 Comments | tags: art, Artists' Row, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

December 7, 2017

Veterans Mall (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 14, 2017

Location: Main St, Greenfield, MA (next to the Town Hall Annex at 253 Main St) (45 minutes north of Springfield, MA)

Hours: open daily, 24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a good amount of metered street parking near the memorial park

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: memorials, mural, sculptures

It would be easy to miss the grand memorial at Veterans Memorial. Couched in between the busy downtown business district, the memorial is almost an after thought, if you’re not expecting to see it. I had to make a quick stop and scramble for parking at the last moment as I had already driven by it when my passenger brought it to my attention.

Located in the bustling Main St in downtown Greenfield, Veterans Mall is truly a hidden gem.Tucked away between the various retailers in the busy business district, Veterans Mall includes a mural and numerous war and veteran memorials.

The mural located at Veterans Mall includes images and symbols of Greenfield and the surrounding area such as Poets Tower and Greenfield Covered Bridge.

One of the cool aspects of the mural are the symbols around the border and in the mural that are indicative of the area such as the corn that is planted and farmed at the local farms. There are also symbols that are common in any area across the area, the crazy weather we have(symbolized by the wind blowing its cold air) and symbols that are common across the nation such as children trick-or-treating.

The mural was repainted April 28, 2017 after 27 years. Below is a photo of what it looked like before it was painted over.

See the source image

As if this wasn’t enough, there are several other war memorials at Veterans Mall.

This monument, dedicated to the people of Greenfield who served their country during the Vietnam War, has the name of every person from Greenfield who was killed in this war. It’s hard not to tear up or take a deep breath while reading all of those names. It will stop you cold and ground you to see the list of all of those lives cut short.

The Greenfield War Memorial, sculpted by Homer Gunn in 1965, sits in the center of the memorial park. The sculpture is meant to give a message of peace

Apparently, it also acts as a home for some of the residents of the area.

A lot has changed since these memorials were first installed in the area. Below is a photo of the two memorials from an earlier time, presumably when it was first dedicated over some 50 years ago.

War Memorial Greenfield Massachusetts

The memorial located next to the Vietnam War Memorial is a memorial to the veterans of World War I

Where there was once a pool of water stands a pine tree dedicated to the all of the women veterans of all wars.

Directly across from the War Memorial is another memorial by Homer Gunn. This serpentine memorial is meant to chronicle the history of warfare during the 20th century. The memorial shows soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines in an array of different activities and using a variety of different weapons, machines and vehicles from different eras. There are also shapes of geographic regions where they fought.

The park is a wonderful destination for all, even four legged visitors. Watson is a 12 year old mixed breed rescue.

4 Comments | tags: dogs, Greenfield, Massachusetts, memorials, murals, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, sculptures, Vietnam Memorial | posted in dogs, Greenfield, Massachusetts, memorials, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, sculptures, Uncategorized

December 3, 2017

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary (Shelburne, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 14, 2017

Location: Patten Road, Shelburne, MA

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: there are 2 parking lots. The first parking lot (called the “overflow parking lot”) which has room for about 10 cars is at the beginning of the entrance. The other parking area is about a quarter of a mile down the main entrance road. On the left of the road is room for about a dozen cars.

Trail Size/Difficulty: 782 acres, 5 miles/easy with some moderate inclines

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Map

Highlights: scenic, “high ledge”, wildlife, easy trails, vernal pool, flowers, foliage during the fall

Known for its pretty views of the Deerfield River Valley and Mount Greylock area, its variety of flowers along its trails and its various wildlife, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for a quick hike to some beautiful views.

The sanctuary is a mixture of 5 miles of paved and dirt trails with a few boardwalks over some marshy areas.

Even though it was near the end of the foliage season, there was still lots of foliage on the trees during my visit. The leaves on the ground added to the beauty of the sanctuary.

Rumor has it wolves roamed the High Ledges. The Wolves’ Den Loop Trail leads to a geologic feature where local lore has it that the last wolf in the region was exterminated.

The highlight of the sanctuary is the overlook, or “high ledge” along the (wait for it…)…Ledges Trail. The rolling hills and colorful trees offer a picturesque vista.

It’s said you can see Mount Greylock from the ledge on a clear day. See it? It’s right there…

Well, it’s somewhere there.

The trails at High Ledges are easy overall. But there are some strenuous areas. My advice would be to stay on the main trails and to basically back track or follow the trail you took to the vista since that is the most direct route back and the trail is the easiest to travel, unless you’re looking for a challenge. I felt the urge for a challenge that day and I usually do try the various trails so I can get a good feel of the park. However, there really wasn’t, save for a few chipmunks and trees, along the side trails.

Chipmunks were busy storing nuts, and chewing on a few, in preparation for another long winter that will sadly soon be here.

4 Comments | tags: foliage, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Shelburne, trees, views | posted in foliage, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Shelburne, trees, Uncategorized

November 28, 2017

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 5, 2017

Location: Winslow Cemetery Rd, Marshfield, MA (about 30 minutes southwest of Boston, MA)

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Cost:

ADMISSION

Members: Free
Nonmembers: $3 adults, $2 children (2-12), & seniors (65+)
EBT Participants: Free for up to 4 people when you show your EBT card

Parking: There is a parking lot for about 15-20 cars.

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly” No, Mass Audubon Parks do not allow pets

Website:Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Map

Highlights: easy trails, scenic, foliage during the fall, wildlife, blinds to view animals, boardwalks over swamp lands

Tips: Although the website includes prices for admission, when I went tp the sanctuary there was no place to pay a fee

A Mass Audubon park, Daniel Webster is home to a variety of birds, winding trails and breathtaking views.

One of the many things that struck me about the park is just how set apart the park is from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m so used to traveling to parks that are located next to busy roadways and busy areas. It is refreshing to be able to get away from the city without having to travel too far.

Daniel Webster Sanctuary was still holding on to some of the foliage that it is known for.

There are several bird feeders throughout the park, mostly at the entrance to the park. The bird feeders attract a variety of birds and other critters. Turtles, frogs and other mammals populate the sanctuary. Northern harriers, an eastern coyote and a white-tailed deer are also known to visit the sanctuary.

These unusual bird feeders are designed to feed Purple Martins. The small enclosures and the overall design is meant to protect the birds from other predators like the harrier hawks that hunt the area.

There are two blinds and the main entrance building from where you can photograph wildlife and nature in peace and quiet.

The trails at Daniel Webster are easy with a few gentle inclines. There are also a few boardwalks which take you over red maple swamps to some areas with pretty views. I especially like how the leaves on the ground and the way the trees and their branches almost made some of the trails seem like they were tunnels. There are 5 walking trail loops at the park with 3.5 miles of trails in total and arounf every turn is another beautiful view.

Below is a video of one of the residents at the park at Daniel Webster Sanctuary from ( a weasel) removing one off her babies from a shelter. The video is from the Youtube account of Migration Productions. They have some wonderful videos.

3 Comments | tags: birds, marshfield, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in birds, marshfield, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 24, 2017

Creamery Covered Bridge (Brattleboro, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: August 6, 2017

Location: 9 Guilford St, Brattleboro, VT (Guilford Street off Route 9 west, over Whetstone Brook, VT-13-01)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a small free parking lot to the left side of the bridge

Hours: Accessible all day, everyday

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Creamery Covered Bridge

Highlights: covered pedestrian bridge

As I have been going through my photos and getting ready for next year’s adventures, I have come across quite a few photos from photo shoots from weeks and in some cases months ago that I have not posted yet. So, in my effort to play catch up, you may see some photos in my posts from places I have visited during the summer and early fall. It will be nice to see what green leaves and pretty flowers look like since they are no longer with us. O.K, so next year’s there’s another resolution for next year: get more organized!

Vermont is known for maple syrup, snow and more snow. Oh, and they also have a few covered bridges.

In fact, covered bridges are a staple of Vermont. They have the most covered bridges per square mile than any other state in the country.

There are over 100 (109 to be exact) covered bridges in Vermont. But the Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro, VT, is no ordinary bridge.

The Creamery Bridge so called after the old Brattleboro Creamery which stood beyond the bridge is Brattleboro’s last surviving 19th-century covered bridge.

The bridge, which only allows pedestrian traffic, is 80 feet long and 19 feet wide, with a 15-foot roadway; the attached sidewalk is 5.5 feet wide.

The sidewalk attached to side of the bridge offers some pretty views of the Whetstone Brook below.

The bridge was built from spruce lumber 1879 and it had been used be vehicles until it was closed to vehicle traffic in 2010. It now only allows traffic from cyclists, joggers and other pedestrians. The sidewalk was added in 1920.

To the side of the bridge there is an area with benches where you can sit and admire the bridge.

This marker was located near the bridge. I could not find any reference to it on the internet. If anyone has any information on it, I would appreciate it if you left a comment about it. Without making too many assumptions, it appears as though it may have been dedicated to someone who was a covered bridge enthusiast.

Below is a video of the inside of the bridge.

17 Comments | tags: Brattleboro, bridge, Creamery Covered Bridge, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Vermont | posted in Brattleboro, bridge, Creamery Covered Bridge, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Vermont

New England Nomad

Category Archives: photographs

Gingerbread In Space (Springfield, MA)

History On The Homefront: The Power Of The Poster (Springfield, MA)

27th Annual Gingerbread House Contest (Portsmouth, NH)

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Newington, NH)

Murals (Salem, MA)

Artists’ Row (Salem, MA)

Veterans Mall (Greenfield, MA)

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary (Shelburne, MA)

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)

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Creamery Covered Bridge (Brattleboro, VT)

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