Cost: Free (there may have been an entry fee to participate)
Parking: ample parking at Patriot Place, since the Patriots weren’t playing!
Dog friendly: Only if they’re service dogs.
Highlights: beautiful works of art
Home to the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA, was home to a different type of competition recently.
For the past two years, Patriot Place (an indoor and outdoor entertainment area that features a mall, bowling alley and a host of stores and restaurants located next to the home stadium of the New England Patriots – Gillette Stadium) has hosted a street art contest. Squares on the walkway at Patriot Place were reserved for a number of competitors to display their best work of art. The works of art ranged from flowers to cupcakes. Mmmm, cup cakes.
The artists ranged in all ages and backgrounds.
I was waiting to post this until after photos of the winning art works were posted on the web site for the event. But, it has been almost a month and they still haven’t been posted yet, although the names of the winners have been posted. So, I don’t know which pieces of art won. But, they were all winners to me! There were some very creative works there!
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To see a list of the winners, and hopefully eventually the photos of the winning works of art, click here: Foxborough Street Art Contest.
Location: 1000 Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA
Parking: There are about 70-100 spots or so in the park itself but plenty of off street parking as well.
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn until dusk
Dog Friendly: It sure is!
Highlights: forts, lighthouse, jetty, beach, war memorials, walking trails, playground with slides and swings for children (or adults if you’re so inclined), military museum, war reenactments, pretty views
The highlight of the park for most visitors has to be the jetty. Fishing off the jetty, or anywhere else at the park is allowed. But, they have a strict “catch and release” policy because most of the fish are contaminated with PCB (poly-chlorinated bipenyls). So, they would not be safe to eat. PCB’s are known cancer causing toxins. The New Bedford Harbor is lined with these cancer-causing toxins that were released into the harbor between 1938 and 1973 by factories such as the electrical component manufacturer Aerovox. The harbor is in the process of being cleaned. But, it could take many more years before the job is complete.
Seashells and seaweed were scattered along the bridge, evidence of some recent stormy seas.
There are so many beautiful views and interesting things at Fort Taber Park. The lighthouse in the photos is the
Since New Bedford has been known for its whaling and seafaring history, the park (and all of New Bedford) is also known for its lighthouses. In the background of the fort in the photo below you can see Clarks Point Lighthouse, first originally built in 1797 (it was replaced with a stone tower in 1804).
The lighthouse below is the Butler Flats Lighthouse, originally built in 1898.
There are several war memorials dedicated to the men and women of Fall River who have served their country, with a specific emphasis on those who were killed in action.
The memorial below is a Vietnam War Memorial that really stood out to me. If you look closely at the board in the final photo, you can see photos of the service people from New Bedford who were killed in the war. Everything about this memorial has meaning. The 43 stars on the memorial represent all of the 43 people from New Bedford who died in Vietnam. The outline of Vietnam is in orange as a reference to Agent Orange who died from Agent Orange. Even the service ribbons on the memorial have meaning. The blue ribbon represents the National Defense Ribbon which is representative of everyone who served in Vietnam. The other two ribbons represent in country veterans. The two plants at the memorial signify life.
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There are also several memorials to all of the 20th century wars America has been in, although I did not notice any memorials for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I am assuming this may be because those actions are still not officially over even if we have pulled out most of our military presence in those places.
A tribute does stand for Army Staff Sargent Joseph Camara of New Bedford, MA, who was killed in action on September 1, 2003 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom when the humvee he was traveling in hit a land mine. He was serving with the 115th Military Police Company as a member of the Rhode Island National Guard in the Iraq War. He was 40 years old when he died. He was also a member of the New Bedford Police Department. His memorial is located at the bottom of the gallery below.
There is also a replica of a Sherman tank stands as a tribute to the LST amphibious force T-4 who lost their lives in training for the invasion on D-Day. During the training exercises, sadly, many men lost their lives training for the invasion.
While I was visiting it was 17th century drill day. Reenactors from the Dartmouth militia, in full 17th century garb, showed how weapons were used, described the different types of warfare of the day and answered any questions the public had.
The staff also allowed visitors inside Fort Taber. The guide explained they stopped using this Civil War fort once the ballistics that were used became too effective against the barricades of the fort.
Grass and rust had overtaken what was once a formidable fortification.
One of the best parts of my visit – on the way to my car, I saw this man and woman playing their instruments.
One of the great things I noticed about the New Bedford area as I walked around taking photos and from the crowd at Fort Taber is the diversity of the cultures and people of the area. The photographs above illustrate this. The music sounded like it had an up tempo flamenco influence. It sounded beautiful. And I love their attire.
Fort Taber/Fort Rodman is a dog friendly park. The park is a great place for dogs. There are miles of trails for your dog to wander.
Sadie is a miniature poodle. She will be 5 in August! Early happy birthday wishes, Sadie!
I also met Yoda, a 10 year old Yorkie.
Below is a video of the inside of one of the forts at Fort Taber. It’s kind of spooky!
This video is a video of the military reenactors firing their weapons.
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.
A year long pass for new members cost me $32 for a “family” pass which includes two named adults living in the same household and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18 to free admission. It usually costs $65. The levels of passes can range from an individual ($48) to patron ($500). Check their website or call them for more details.
Parking: Parking was abundant. There were some events for children going on when I went and there was room for everyone to park there.
Dog Friendly: No pets are allowed. So leave Fido at home!
Highlights: miles of trails, observation tower, lots of wildlife, great blue heron rookery, camps, programs, classes and activities (particularly for children), friendly and helpful staff
Located about 20 minutes north of Springfield, MA and just over an hour and a half west of Boston, MA, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is teeming with a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife you see may surprise you.
I had never been so close to a deer, at least not in the wild. I was close enough to almost pat her. It was almost unreal to be so close to such a beautiful animal and not scare her off.
According to the staff member I spoke to about this doe, this particular doe was not an original resident of the sanctuary. But, due to over development of the area and other factors, she has found her way to the sanctuary.
The 5 mile loop is well marked (remember the yellow path leads back to the visitor center). There is an observation tower on the main trail (to the right of the trail). It was pretty shaky but it gave some great views.
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On the walkway to the tower, I made a friend. This immature redtail hawk is another animal that wasn’t originally at the sanctuary. But, he or she has made a home there and the bird didn’t seem to shy until I got too close when he or she flew off onto a tree branch.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park. Even if you’re not into photography, birding or looking for wildlife you would still enjoy a scenic hike on the trails.
There are two markers on a pole next to the observation tower displaying the levels of two of the big floods in the area (the floods of 1936 and 1984).
I was a little disappointed too not see any turtles, frogs or other critters. But, I saw and heard lots of chipmunks. Either the last chipmunk in the right hand corner is very long or I should have changed my photo settings. I thought it looked funny so I kept it!
Audubon sanctuaries are always a safe bet for a fun time at a clean and well maintained park with a lot of wildlife and Arcadia was no different.
Location: Dave’s Soda And Pet City, 151 Springfield St, Agawam, MA
Cost: Free
Parking: Parking was abundant, even with the large crowd
Dog Friendly: Dogs are encouraged to go!
Highlights: jumping dogs!
The dogs of New England made a big splash recently in Agawam, Massachusetts. Actually, they made a lot of splashes at the Dock Dogs competition.
Dock Dogs, in its 16th year, is an aquatic dog competition that tests dogs jumping and swimming abilities. Although it has been around for quite some time, it was the first time it was held in Agawam, Massachusetts. This event was held in the parking lot of a local pet store, Dave’s Soda And Pet City.
The events are broken up into two main events: Big Air in which the dogs attempt to leap as far as they can and Extreme Vertical which tests the dogs’ ability to jump straight up. The records for the two events that day were 22 feet for the Big Air event and 6 ft, 6 inches for the Extreme Vertical jump. That’s better than what I could do!
The best part of the events is how much the dogs love the activities, well most of them do. They can’t seem to wait to jump or leap and some don’t seem to want to get out of the water!
Here are some of the longest jumpers!
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Some of the dogs were less eager to get into the water
The highlight of the event was, for me at least, the Extreme Vertical competition. The dogs really got some height!
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It really was hard to see some of the dogs miss the target on the pole. But, they still looked beautiful whether they reached the top or not.
I was able to catch up with some of the dogs there, like Baxter, when they weren’t wet.
Baxter, a fan favorite in the Big Air competition, is a 5 year old Yellow Labrador.
There were plenty of dogs who weren’t participating but came to watch. Here are a few of the dog spectators.
Jemma is 14 month old Landseer Newfoundland.
Lyla is a 2 and a half year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
This happy looking guy is Chase, a 2 year old Golden Retriever.
Benson is a 6 year old Chocolate English Labrador
Lillie is an 11 week old Australian Sheepdog. Maybe some day she can give the Extreme Vertical competition a shot!
Monty, an 11 year old pug, looked cool in his stroller.
There were also tents set up for kids to get their face painted (or adults if you’re into that) and tents that were giving away samples of pet treats. There were also kiddie pols and bowls of water placed around the lot liberally for all the hot dogs, or presumably people, you know if that’s your thing. They really did think of everything to ensure everyone had a good time.
There was also a tent set up to raise donations for Greyhound rescues. Massachusetts has closed almost all of the race tracks and since Greyhounds are bred mainly to race, that breed of dog may be going away, at least in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So, take a good look while you can.
These boxers took a minute from drinking their water to strike a pose for me.
One of the tents at the event had a canine dog and his handler.
Frankie is a 5 year old German Shepherd. He passed the 14 week course to become a K9 cop. Although he does look hot, it was a hot day, I have learned that the officers who work with these pets care for them as though they were their own. They do have a strong bond with their dogs.
Attached below are some videos of the dogs competing. To see even more videos I have compiled (ad-free), stop by my YouTube page: New England Nomad YouTube
Adults: $14.50
Seniors (62 plus): $13.50
Youth (4-17): $12.50
Children 3 and under: Free
VINS Members: Free
Hours:
April 9 – October 31: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
November 1 – April 8: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Highlights: pretty, rare birds, bird shows, informative and friendly staff, kid friendly, museum and nature science center with a lot of informational exhibits
Normally, I don’t like watching birds or any animal behind glass or a cage. I’ve always felt a bitter sense of irony watching an eagle or any other majestic animal being on display and limited in such a way. But, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is not a zoo or museum as much as it is a sanctuary. VINS is a rehabilitation and rescue center. Every bird there has either been injured and would not be able to survive on its own or have never experienced the imprinting process (the process by which a newly born learns basic skills from its parent) with their natural birth parents so they may have a difficult time existing in the wild. VINS is saving these birds from a likely short-lived life of hardship. Instead of putting the bird down, as many people might choose to do, VINS is able to keep some birds alive in a sheltered place with caring caregivers.
Located an hour and a half from Manchester, NH and just over an hour south of Burlington, VT, VINS is home to over a dozen birds and not all of the birds are from the New England area.
This Snowy Owl who suffered a severe fracture of the left humerus and a fracture to the right metacarpal which limited it flight ability. The owl was injured by a blast of hot air coming from an engine at an airport in New York. The owl is believed to have hatched from an egg prior to 2014.
Due to an unknown injury, this Bald Eagle had to have his right wing partially amputated. He came from Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana in 2002. He is believed to have hatched from his egg in 1996.
The red tail hawk below came to VINS from a rehab facility in Cape Neddick, ME. The bird arrived at VINS in 1998 after sustaining a permanent injury to his right wing after being hit by a car. The hatch year for the bird is 1998.
This sleepy looking owl is an Eastern Screech Owl. The owl, which came from a rehabilitation center in Virginia, was hit by a car. The injuries were so severe the left eye of the owl was removed and the right eye was permanently injured.
The male Broad Winged Hawk below, who arrived at VINS in 2009, injured its left elbow when it fell out of its nest. The joint was diagnosed and considered to be permanently damaged.
This male Great Grey Owl suffered damage to his right eye.
Understandably, some of the birds were camera shy like this Northern Harrier Hawk.
Not all of the birds are in cages or behind wire fencing. This owl is blind in one eye but he or she is still able to walk with the staff member around the park.
The grounds of VINS is well manicured and you can hear birds flying around the trees throughout your visit. There are also various displays, memorials and works of art on the grounds. The Jeffords Campus For Environmental Education is dedicated to Elizabeth Daley Jeffords and former Vermont Senator James Jeffords for their commitment to environmental education. Sen. Jeffords was known for his independent political affiliation after leaving the republican party in 2001, in the long tradition of independent Vermont senators.
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There is also a museum and science center at VINS as well as nature trails on the premises. VINS also holds live bird exhibitions. They also have summer camps for children which are very popular.
Location: Eleventh St, the village of Turner Falls in the town of Montague, MA
Parking: There is a small area by the shoulder of the road to park. There is also off street parking available and most people seem to ride the bicycle or walk or run along the bridge and walkway.
Cost: Free
Highlights: Peaceful area (when it’s not rush hour), scenic, abundant wildlife, views of the Turner Falls Canal
This may not be the bridge of Turner Falls but it is a bridge in Turner Falls. The more popular bridges in Turner Falls are Gill-Montague and the Turner Falls Roadway. But, since I was in Montague visiting the Montague Bookmill, I thought I would make a quick stop here.
This 11th Street Bridge pictured below was built by the Turner Falls Company. According to the Historic American Engineering Record, the bridge is a double-intersection Warren through truss, with a pair of trusses on either side of the roadway, and lateral bracing between each pair, but none over the roadway.
This 2.5 mile section of the Turner Falls Bikeway. The bikeway, which people also use for jogging and walking, is wide enough to accommodate heavy traffic. The walkway and bridge offer pretty views of the river and surrounding community.
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There are additional bridges on the roadway. Some, like the partially destructed bridge below, is no longer in use. Out of service since the industrial shops closed some time ago, the foundations of the bridge still remain. These remains are symbolic of the jobs and economic downturn the other otherwise idyllic neighborhood felt after many of the jobs left.
These steps led off the main trail but didn’t seem to go anywhere as the street and residences were right next to the trail. It may give walkers a closer look at some of the wildlife I heard rustling in the trees and underbrush.
There’s no swimming allowed in the canal. But, a life ring is there, just in case.
Even though the Falls Turner Canal walkway is only a segment of the bikeway path, it is a great place for a peaceful stroll along a beautiful waterway.
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Parking: about 8 parking spots. Parking is also available at the beach which is located about half a mile away on Quincy Shore Drive and is an easy walk to Moswetuset.
Highlights: great views, easy trail, secluded, not usually very busy, a lot of historical significance
Mosewtuset may seem much like all the other small parks that dot the Massachusetts shoreline. But, its significance in the historical landscape of Massachusetts and all of the colonies and commonwealths should never be minimized.
Moswetuset is not only significant because the commonwealth of Massachusetts derived its name from Moswetuset but it is also the original trading place of Chickatawbot Sacamore and Myles Standish in 1621 that spurred the trade of the early settlers and the Native Americans. Moswetuset was also the area they used as their planting grounds.
What does a funky name like Moswetuset mean, you may ask. Moswetuset has been translated into “shaped like an arrowhead” (the area does have a distinct arrowhead shape) and “site of the great house.” The area is shielded by rows of trees and growth.
The trail is an easy loop with a very minor incline.
Only underscoring how small things can be very big in their place in history, Moswetuset is only a quarter of a mile loop, if that. But, it does offer some pretty views and it is a nice place to take a short stroll or sit on one of the many rocks along the beach (Moswetuset is located next to Wollaston Beach). It was low tide when I went so I was able to get out onto the rocks and get some decent views of the water and the surrounding neighborhood of Squantum (which is technically part of Quincy) which is in the background of the photos.
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Of course, what would a park or attraction in Quincy be without graffiti? There were some interesting works of graffiti at Moswetuset.
Moswetuset is a popular place for dog walkers. But, for some reason, there weren’t any dog walkers at Moswetuset when I visited. I found Buddy, though, on my way to my car as I walked along the beach.
Location: Main St, Agawam, MA (corner of School St & Main St)
Parking: There is no off street parking but there are some lots across the street and a small parking area just before the memorial.
On this important day, I thought it would be good to showcase one of the many war memorials in the Western Massachusetts area. The Veterans Green Memorial Park, nestled in front of the Phelps Elementary School, is one of these tasteful memorials.
The memorial, which recognizes every person who has died in war from the Agawam area dating all the way back to the American Revolutionary War.
Due to the inclement weather and unpredictable weather patterns of the area (it is New England after all), parades and memorials were cancelled this year which gave me full access to the site but probably disappointed a lot of likely parade watchers. There is usually a ceremony each year at the site and it looked strange not seeing any parades or people reveling in the streets and sidewalks during the day.
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The Benjamin Phelps Elementary School is located behind the memorial and a gazebo stands just off the side of the memorial.
What stands out most about the memorial is the bell. It symbolizes so much; the tones rung out during remembrances, the readiness and alert nature of our armed forces and the ringing out of victory and freedom.
Happy memorial and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A sign at the front gate of the parking area states cars still parked in the lot after 7 p.m. will be fined $25.
Costs: According to the website it is $5 for MA residents and $6 for non-MA residents. There is a parking payment station located at the front of the parking area. I have a parking pass which allows me to park in all state run parks so I do not know exactly how the parking stations work or how they charge each patron.
Parking: The parking lot is pretty big. It looks like there are easily 200 spaces. When we left, on a busy day at peak hours, there were still plenty of parking spots available, albeit far from the entrance to the trails. There is also an alternate parking area before the main parking area for people with special passes.
Highlights: mansion, 6 ponds, quarry, 20 miles of hiking trails, large field for frisbee golf and other activities. Fishing, canoeing and horseback riding are allowed. Leashed dogs are permitted. Easy to moderate trails, teeming with wildlife. Peaceful feeling, even when the park is packed.
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Created during the early 1900’s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her husband Oakes Ames, Borderland State Park has been a state park since it was purchased by the state in 1971. The Ames’ home, a three-story stone mansion built in 1910 still stands on the grounds.
The grounds of the mansion are manicured impeccably. They even take care of those pesky witches (or whatever that is on the lawn) .
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Bordering on the towns of Sharon and Easton in Southern MA, Borderland has a variety of trails for runners, walkers, cyclists and even horseback riders. The trails are easy to moderate and I saw many runners on the trail.
Located about 45 minutes south of Boston and half an hour north of Providence, Rhode Island, Borderland State Park is a popular destination for people from all sections of New England. It is easy to see why so many people flock to the park when you see the views.
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Sometimes it’s the little things that make the park so much fun. Whether it’s the frisbee golf course on the lawn in front of the mansion (I can only imagine what the Ames’s would have thought of that) or the benches that are liberally scattered throughout the park or the always full bowls of water thoughtfully left out for the thirsty dogs, the park really does think of everything.
here was also an abandoned building along one of the trails.
There are always pleasant surprises when you go to visit the different parks in New England. One of those surprises was a mother bird feeding her babies in the nest on the beams of the roof of the abandoned building pictured above. I did my best to seem as unobtrusive and I used my telephoto lens from a distance while I took these photos. I love how the mother looks so protective and is surveying the area for potential threats.
Then, as I was taking photos of the pond, I saw these little critters. Look at how the frogs almost perfectly camouflage themselves. It’s almost the perfect disguise. Man, I love nature!
Ok, the snake isn’t so “little.” But, I wasn’t about to get closer to see just how big he was.
And the animals didn’t stop there.
There were dogs a plenty also at Borderland State Park.
Beef is a 6 year old American Bullweiler (American Bulldog and Rottweiler mix). He was being trained by his dad. I thought the last photo showed just how much affection he has for his guardian.
Mason, a chocolate Labrador, took advantage of the warm weather to go for a swim.
Romeo, an English Chocolate Labrador, celebrated his 10 month birthday at the park!
Balto, a 7 month German Shepherd, wants attentively for the rest of the family to show up.
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