Category Archives: photographs

November 10, 2017

Indian Motorcycle Day 2017 (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: July 23, 2017

Location: Springfield Museum, 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children

Parking: There is free parking at the museum parking lot and overflow parking at the parking lot across the street

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: classic Indian motorcycles on display

Tips:

the festival is usually held the second Sunday of July
refer to the museum’s web site for the schedule of events which includes an award ceremony for the event
Don’t forget to visit the Lyman Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield Museum where there are additional pieces to the Indian Motorcycle collection which is displayed there year round.

A mainstay of the Western Massachusetts and still one of the leaders in motorcycle sales, Indian Motorcycles still remains an icon of the Western MA area. And, many of these motorcycles and bikes were on display at the annual Indian Motorcycle Day on the grounds of the Springfield Museum Springfield, MA.

Indian Motorcycle, founded in 1901, first began as an endeavor to produce a gas powered bicycle. However, after Oscar Hedstrom produced the gas powered bicycle, they soon began producing motorcycles in Springfield, Massachusetts, the very same city the museum is located in.

The motorcycles ranged from newer models to older, classic styles. But most of the motorcycles were older models. The craftsmanship and style of these motorcycles are very impressive.

Most of the motorcycles or bikes did not have the model year or model name on them. But, this motorcycle was one of the few that did.

1948 Indian Chief

This motorcycle was actually used during World War II in Europe, according to its owner.

Some of the artwork and logos stood out to me.

There are additional Indian Motorcycles in the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum across the street from the main building at the museum. Most of these motorcycles and bikes are located in this museum year round and they tend to focus on the much older models.

There is also a display of Indian novelty items.

Below is a video of some of the collectibles displayed at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum.

9 Comments | tags: Indian Motorcycles, Massachuetts, museum, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum | posted in Indian Motorcycles, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum, Uncategorized

November 8, 2017

The Farm At Carter Tree Hill (Marlborough, CT)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 22, 2017

Location: 86 E. Hampton Rd, Marlborough, CT

Hours: the website says to call for hours (860-906-7866)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is free parking for a couple dozen cars. More parking may be available in nearby lots when they have special events

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: Family-friendly working farm with an eatery, general store, bed and breakfast, carriage house for events and farm animals

Tips:

It’s easy to miss the farm if you’re not looking for it

Website: The Farm At Carter Hill

Now that I have posted most of my posts from Salem up (I may have a few more to post later), I am catching up posts about places I visited this past summer and this fall.

One of the more enchanting places I visited this summer was a place I found by happenstance. During a trip to a park in Connecticut, my passenger and I noticed an old pickup truck parked by the side of what appeared to be a farm.

Tucked away off Route 66 in Marlborough, CT, Carter Tree Hill Farm has a farm, general store, barn used for entertainment and events.

The animals in the farm area are very playful and friendly. They really seem to like to play on their car. My favorite part of the farm, the farm area has several goats, chickens, ducks and even a peacock.

It was late July during my visit and the flowers were in bloom. Vibrant flowers were scattered around the farm and gardens.

The peak time to visit Tree Hill Farm is probably during the warmer seasons and fall. It must look very pretty there during the autumn with all of the leaves on the trees changing color. I also think it must feel good to be able to spend one of the first mild spring days there drinking a beverage outside after one of our long cold winters.

During the summer, Carter Tree Hill Farm shows movie on their projection screen.

The Carter Tree Hill Farm consists of a general store, outdoor eatery, bed and breakfast, ice-cream and outdoor pavillion for weddings, carriage barn for private parties or events and Hogs Breath Tavern as well as an animal farm.

The friendly staff made us a coffee and pored me an orange juice at no charge and allowed us free rein to explore the property.

The affable staff at Tree Hill Farm work hard to keep the garden and flowers clean and pretty. You can tell they take a lot of pride in their work by the way the property is kept after. We also spent a while talking to a worker about how much he loves to work on his plants and vegetables at the farm.

There is also a an old time filling station (not in use) and a barn where you can buy home made jellies (try the marmalade), other snacks and other merchandise at Carter Tree Hill Farm. Look at that gas price!

With its ample space, colorful plants and flowers and barns and animals to watch, Carter Tree Hill Farm is a great place to bring the entire family.

2 Comments | tags: animals, connecticut, farm, goats, Marlborough, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in animals, connecticut, farm, Marlborough, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 6, 2017

The Devils Chase 6.66 Mile Run (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 28, 2017 (annually, the last weekend of October)

Location: Fort Point St, Salem, MA

Highlights: over 1,000 costumed runners competing in a 6.66 mile race

With the appropriate “Run Like Hell” tagline, the annual 6.66 mile race spooked up a wide variety of creepy racers.

Keeping with the Halloween theme, most of the runners dressed in their favorite Halloween-themed garb.

Over 1,200 runners, many in costumes, participated in the race. Runners came from all over New England, New York region and even points farther. The competitors had the option of running the 6.66 mile (roughly 10.7 k) race or the shorter 3.33 mile race (roughly 5.4 K) course.

A fog machine gave the finish line a eerie look and a d.j. from a local radio station kept the spectators entertained. The finish line had some interesting items hanging from it. The spectators came dressed up for the event as well.

Don’t let the kids in the last two photos fool you. They ran in the kids race and they are fast!

In fact, even though there weren’t as many kids running as there were in the adults and teens race and their race was shorter, I think I enjoyed watching them all cross the finish line and celebrate.

There were some competitive runners (the winner ran the 6.66 mile course at a 5:46 per mile average clip) and some who ran for fun and to challenge themselves. Every runner received a well deserved “participation medal” when they finished the race.

I love the different expressions on the faces of the runners. Some are determined. Others are laughing and waving. But, they all had a fun or a rewarding experience. I still can’t believe how hard it must have been to run the race in some of those costumes and still keep a smile on your face.

Some people ran with their dogs. Others ran with their strollers in tow.

Watching all of the competitors pushing themselves or just enjoying their run with their friends (that is something I never understood – I never really ever enjoyed any of my runs) in the mild October air, made my competitive juices flow and made me miss my competitive running days. You know, before I picked up a camera. But, after seeing everyone have so much fun during this run, I may have to try this race next year!

Rafa, a 1 year old Belgian Malinois, stopped by to watch the runners.

Below is a video of some of the runners.

4 Comments | tags: Devils Chase 6.66 Miler, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, race, Salem | posted in costumes, Devils Chase 6.66 Miler, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

November 3, 2017

Halloween In Salem – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2017

Location: Salem, MA

Welcome to Part II of my photo blog post from my Halloween in Salem series. If you want to view part I you can find it here.

There were so many amazing costumes from my visit to Salem on Halloween. But, I have to say this was my favorite.

What better day to get married than Halloween? This couple got dressed up for their big day! Congrats and best wishes to this lovely couple!

During my day in Salem, the people continued to arrive in a variety of costumes from the cute to the scary to the down right bizarre. But, it was Chucky that really put a scare into me. He always scared the heck out of me!

Even though there were some duplicates in terms of the costumes (such as the Hocu Pocus costumes), they all had their own flair and style.

While it’s great photographing all of the people in their costumes during the daytime, things really get going during the evening.

Salem really does come alive at night during Halloween. As people get out of work and begin to celebrate, the city comes to life. Besides, Halloween really is best celebrated in the evening. Even the costumes seem to look cooler and more scary as the sun sets and the evening descends upon the city.

The city closes down many of the side streets at 4 p.m. and they close the garages from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. So, if you don’t leave by 7, you’re stuck there for a while! It’s strange seeing the sity streets so desolate and walking down the usually busy streets.

There are bands that play well into the evening (the residents must love that) and the evening culminates with fireworks at 11:15. I was long gone by then.

So, it was another spooky and fun day full of surprises. Until next year…maybe I’ll see you there then!

Lest I forget, there were so many beautiful dogs in Salem during Halloween.

Freddy, a 7 year old Himalayan therapy dog, was tired from visiting patients earlier in the day.

Bubba is a 6 year old Mastiff and Doberman mix.

Romeo is a 14 week old Bernese Mountain dog. He may look small now. But, trust me, he’s not going to stay that size for long!

Galaxy is a 10 month old Pit Bull and American Bulldog mix

Bear is a 6 year old Siberian Husky and Border Collie mix. His guardian said he is known as “The Dog Of Salem!”

Sophie is a 7 year old Black Russian Terrier.

Wilby is a 6 year old Sato dog from Puerto Rico.

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

November 3, 2017

Halloween In Salem – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

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 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.

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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.