Category Archives: traveling

January 15, 2024

Christmas In Salem Part 6 – The Nathaniel Silsbee House (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: December 2, 2023 (event is held annually the first weekend of Dec)

Location: 94 Washington Square East, unit 102, Salem, MA

Cost: Tickets for Christmas in Salem are available online at www.historicsalem.org at a cost of $40 for non-Historic Salem, Inc. members and $35 for HSI members. Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $45. Tour tickets including the Friday night candle-lit preview are $120 for non-HSI members and $100 for members of Historic Salem, Inc. Christmas in Salem proceeds support the preservation mission of Historic Salem, Inc.

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

Parking: there are several parking lots and metered street parking throughout the city.

Website: Christmas In Salem

Summary: The Christmas In Salem event consists of a tour of historic homes and buildings in Salem, MA. Each year, home owners and building management open their doors to visitors to get a glimpse into what these historic homes look like and what stories they may have.

One of the great things about the Christmas In Salem tour is how each house, while still sharing a historical past and architectural similarity, can be so different. The decor for the Nathaniel Silsbee House is very different from many of the other houses on the tour.

The three story Federal stye brick building was erected in 1818 or 1819 for Nathaniel Silsbee, a prosperous shipmaster for the famous Derby family. The Briggs Street elevation still remains the original Federal entry, featuring an open portico on Doric columns and a now blocked elliptical fanlight.

Nathaniel Silsbee would go on to become a United States Senator for Massachusetts. He is said to have entertained such historical figures as Daniel Webster, James Monroe and Henry Clay in his home.

Silbee’s son, Nathaniel Jr, made extensive renovations in the Italianate style. These alterations are most prominent in the windows on the front facade and in the balustraded entrance portico on Corinthian posts.

The Kimball family would go on to own the home from 1866 to 1907. The Knights of Columbus purchased the home in 1907 and it remained as a meeting hall for them for over 100 years. The mansion was sold in 2018 and converted to condominiums.

The Silsbee home was one of the more elegant homes on the tour. In fact, I was a little hesitant to spend too much time there or get too close to the items in the home! Statues, an ornate stairway and decorations are some of the features of this home.

If you see paintings or works of art like the one over this fireplace, it’s a good bet it’s probably a flat screen TV. Some of the houses had TVs that were like the “Frame TV” that turns into a work of art when it is not being used.

Even though it’s not a holiday decoration, this clock really stood out to me. In fact, that is what struck me most about this home. You could have your home decorated like this all year round. The holiday decor was toned down. And, that may be why I liked it so much. Although I love the holidays, especially photographing holiday decor, I don’t have much of it in my home (more out of laziness I suppose) and I have a minimalist style in my home as well.

This home was one of the shorter tours I I love seeing people put a different spin on traditional decorations. These wreaths and other decorations gave the home a different holiday feel!

I especially liked the rabbit and deer decorations.

This house tour was short but sweet. But, there will be more homes on the tour that are decorated with more decorations!

7 Comments | tags: Christmas, Christmas In Salem, Massachuetts, New England, photo, Photography, photos, Salem, travel, traveling | posted in Christmas, Christmas In Salem, historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel, traveling

January 9, 2024

Christmas In Salem 2023 Part 4 – The William Roberts House (Salem, MA) (Updated)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 2, 2023 (event is held annually the first weekend of Dec)

Location: 41 Washington Square North, Salem, MA

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

Parking: there are several parking lots and metered street parking throughout the city.

Website: Christmas In Salem

*I mistakenly posted photos from the fifth house on the tour originally. While the historical information was correct, the photos and commentary of the home are different. I have posted the correct photos in this post with my observations*

The fourth house on the Christmas In Salem tour is the William Roberts House on Washington Square North. This 4 family brick house was built by William Roberts, a mason, between 1825 and 1840. William Robert’s father, also named William Roberts, was lost at sea and his mother remarried John Osborn. Osborn is said to have taught the younger Roberts the stone masonry, plastering and brick-laying.

Roberts bought the land this house sits on in October, 1825, for the princely sum of $7,000. Well, princely for that time. Roberts then began building the house for his family (his wife and 7 children) on the westernmost part of the lot.

Because of financial hardship, Roberts had to assign his property to trustees. The house was eventually sold to Willard Brown who bought it in 1870.

This was one of the more interesting homes I photographed. From the entrance to the exit, which I will talk about more later, there were unusual decorations. For instance, this nutcracker. Look at its eyes! The eyes blink and the light of his pole changes colors.

One thing I’ve noticed as I post these houses is how much I truly do love Christmas and how Christmas and Salem seem like a perfect fit! I feel the magic of Christmas with each photo and I really have realized I should appreciate the season more. I’m already eager for Christmas in Salem 2024!

The interior of the house was tastefully decorated.

Dave Eng, who has been working in Salem for almost 50 years, decorated the home. And, after window shopping at his shop, quite literally, the decorations in the home are so Dave Eng. They are very tasteful and pretty.

I bumped into Dave while I was photographing Salem a week later. He was nice enough to pose in front of the window of his shop that he had decorated for the holidays.

After seeing the tastefully decorated living area, things took a turn. Some of the other decorations in the home were unique and certainly unexpected.

This tomb or coffin for instance. I’m not sure if there was anything in it and I don’t think I want to know!

OK, it’s just a tomb. But, then, as I looked at the wall, I noticed this. Yes, it’s nose lights up. I’m not sure what animal it was or as supposed to be. But, I hope it wasn’t Rudolph!

Not to be outdone, there was a visitor in the dining area. Meet Dolly (at least that’s what I think they called her)

There was also this mannequin all dressed up for the holidays!

This mannequin was just sitting on top of the fridge. Just hanging around.

The bedroom and kitchen were decorated more traditionally, relatively speaking.

And a keyboard player helped keep the Christmas spirit alive with some holiday tunes!

12 Comments | tags: Christmas, Christmas In Salem, Massachuetts, New England, Photography, Salem | posted in Christmas, Christmas In Salem, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel, traveling

December 31, 2023

2023 Rewind Part 2 – Sunrises/Sunsets, Full Moons and Nature

By New England Nomad

Date Of Post: December 31, 2023

Location: All over New England

Summary: I have been lucky enough to photograph quite a few sunrises, sunsets, full moons and nature throughout the year. Here are few of my favorites!

Although it’s not particularly close to me (an hour north of Boston on a good traffic day), Hampton Beach, NH, is my favorite place to take sunrise photos. The beach is always clean, there always seems to be waves and, as a bonus, it is relatively close to my favorite wildlife sanctuary.

I took this photo on a more calm day at the beach in August. Although it was August, there was a slight chill in the air that morning.

I generally prefer to show calm, peaceful settings in my photos. That is one of the great things (pr not so great things depending on who you talk to) about photography. You can find and show serenity in even the most chaotic places and times. There’s enough chaos in the world.

You can see and hopefully feel the morning chill in these sunrise photos from Sep (at the top) and Nov (at the bottom)

Some of the best sunrise photos don’t show the actual sun. And, contrary to my earlier comments, it’s ok to show some chaos! These photos were taken during my visits to the beach in September (in the first group) and November (in the second group of photos). As I mentioned earlier, it always seems to be wavy there.

Of course, I also took a sunrise photo in Boston. But I don’t usually shoot from there. I tend to like photographing the cities and towns surrounding the Boston area. Like most big cities, there are so many photographs of Boston. So it’s hard to get photos from places that haven’t been taken in the city.

I do like to shoot sunrise photos at Independence Park in Beverly, MA. There’s a nice jetty you can walk on and take photos. This photo was taken in February. So, it was tricky to not slip on said jetty.

Although it may not seem to be the case, it’s actually not very easy to find places to photograph the sunrise from my location. Yes, Massachusetts, and New England for that matter, does have a pretty long coast line. But, it’s not always easy or possible to get to some of these locations before the sun rises or sets and some places are not accessible as they are on private property. The worst thing is arriving at a location with nowhere to park or with no public access. Combine these factors with my desire to shoot from lesser known locations and I end up with a smaller list of places to shoot from.

That being said, there are some places I can still get to in time for the sunrise and sunsets. Below are a few of my other favorite spots. As you will see, I’m more of an early riser. So I have mostly photos of sunrises. Also, there is something special and inspiring about a sunrise. All of the promise and opportunity in a sunrise is inspiring.

Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA

Fort Pickering Light, Salem, MA

Red Rock, Lynn, MA

Hingham, MA

Revere Beach, Revere, MA

Springfield, MA (sunset)

Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA

Speaking of Wollaston Beach, I went to this beach in February of this year on the coldest day of the year and the coldest day in some time. The temperature was -9 with a windchill of -31. There were strange weather conditions. The best I could describe it was like “Hoth” from the Empire Strikes Back. Except colder. Weirdly, there was even some mist or “sea smoke” coming off the frozen water which usually only happens when warm weather conditions mix with cold.

This particular photo opportunity made me think of a question people ask when they find out I get up so early in various weather conditions. When people ask me is photography fun? I often say “sometimes” or “maybe”. Yes, it’s extremely fun in May or June with sunny skies and “shorts weather.” But, it’s not always shorts weather. At the same time, I like the challenge and I couldn’t imagine sleeping in or doing anything else. At best, I’d call it a “labor of love.” The end result makes it all worthwhile. Besides, what else am I supposed to do!? I suppose it’s something like an athlete or artist. I know I definitely don’t enjoy running or working out. But I appreciate the feeling of accomplishment afterwards and I welcome the challenge. Occasionally the actual process is “fun” like when you photograph an owl or some other beautiful bird or landscape. But, mainly, it’s a lot of work. “Fun work.” It may sound weird. But, iykyk.

One of my favorite, and sometimes challenging, photo shoots is photographing the full moon. Sometimes, like in this photo, the moon can be hard to get photos of behind the clouds. But, in this case, the clouds gave a mysterious and forbidding appearance.

Webb Park, Weymouth, MA.

I also got some nature photographs throughout the year. Spring, summer and fall give great backdrops for nature photography of course. I took these photos in Topsfield, MA, Manchester, CT, western MA among other places. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule and the fact leaves fell off their branches before foliage got into full swing, I didn’t get many foliage photos this year.

Thank you as always for stopping by viewing, liking and/or commenting! I always appreciate you all!

25 Comments | tags: full moon, New England, photograhy, photographs, photos, sunrise, sunset | posted in flowers, nature, photographs, photography, photos, travel, traveling

January 26, 2016

Winter Wildlife Cruise (Boston Harbor, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date visited: January 23, 20016

Price: $20 for adults, $10 for children (ages 3-11) and seniors (over 65)

This was a special cruise and is not something they do regularly in the winter. During the spring, summer and fall they have cruises scheduled regularly.

Twenty degree weather and an impending winter storm; what better conditions for a harbor cruise. Ironically, that statement could not be more accurate.

We were greeted by gulls and rough seas when we arrived at the wharf.

As we made our way on to the boat for and they announced the cruise would be a three hour tour (in retrospect, that Gilligan’s Island reference should have been a bad omen), I was surprised by how roomy, comfortable and modern it was. The three story boat had booths on the sides of the cabin area and ample seating.

Even before we left the wharf I took some shots of the bay. You can see Logan Airport in the distance in some of the photos.

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As the boat left the bay, I took some obligatory photos of the skyline.

I had to bundle up (and hold on tight to the railing) for the shoot. I was surprised at how well I handled the overly active ocean. I’ve never been particularly fond of roller coasters, wavy oceans or anything that moves to and fro quickly. But, I did fine. The only time I felt a tinge of sickness was when a fellow traveler described his own feelings of sea sickness (gee, thanks random stranger). But, that quickly passed.

There was a variety of sea life, although the choppy waters made it difficult to photograph all of them. DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) officials were on the boat with binoculars on the lookout for wildlife and other points of interest and announcements were made whenever a bird or other animal was sighted.

I did photograph this Eider as he swam with friends.

and a few other elusive birds.

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Even though it was a cruise for wildlife viewing some of the best views were of the harbor and the islands.

This is Spectacle Island. Spectacle Island was made entirely from the dirt from the huge construction project known as the “Big Dig”. it is much prettier during the summer.

These are some photos of Boston Light. Boston Light is the first Lighthouse in America. It is still working today.

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The Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant began operations in 1995. It is clearly the jewel of Boston Harbor. Prior to the construction of the sewage plant, sewage from Boston’s treatment facilities had contaminated shellfish after the sewage had been released. Lunch, anyone?

These structures are what is left of the bridge to Long Island (not the one in NY – we didn’t go out that far). It was dismantled recently. Personally, I think they should keep them. They make for a good background for photography.

Below is a slideshow of some of the other shots from my cruise. It was very windy and the sea was pretty choppy. I tried to capture this in the photos.

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Finally, I found a cute furry animal named Bailey to photograph when I disembarked from the boat.

See below for videos of the cruise to get a better idea of just how windy it was.

Winter Wildlife Cruise – Long Wharf

Winter Wildlife Cruise

Winter Wildlife Cruise II

27 Comments | tags: birds, boats, Boston, cruise, dog, ducks, islands, lighthouse, Massachusetts, New England, ocean, photographs, Photography, photos, water, waves | posted in boats, Boston, cruise, dog, lighthouse, Massachussetts, New England, ocean, photographs, photography, photos, traveling, Uncategorized, water, waves, wharf, wildlife

September 25, 2015

Nobska Beach (Woods Hole, MA)

By New England Nomad

After a short stay at Scraggy Neck, it was time for our next stop on our Cape Cod Farewell Summer trip.

Our next destination was the Nobska Beach in the quaint village of Woods Hole in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The Nobska area is so pretty and there are so many attractions because of its sheer beauty, I decided cover the Nobska area in two separate blogs.

The first thing that stands out at Nobska beach are the array of flowers and the makeshift trails at the beach (that and the lack of parking). The only parking available is on the side of the road along the beach and a scant few spots in front of the light house (I’ll be posting photos of the light house in the second part of the Nobska photo blogs).

Nobska Beach offers views of both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island.

Boats and the ferry make frequent trips to the islands

If you hadn’t noticed, one of the treasures of Nobska Beach are the rocks and the rock formations.

But, to capture the real beauty of the views from the beach, it was necessary to walk down a narrow trail down to this modest rocky ledge.

But, the ledge was wide enough for me and my camera. And the views were well worth the extra effort.

Nobska Beach is also home to a variety of wildlife.

At the base of the beach there are two memorials. A memorial for Dennis Jeff Sabo lies under some plants, almost unnoticed. The memorial does not give any more information than his date of birth, date of death and name. A Google search yielded no results. The lack of details about Dennis adds to the memorials’ mystique.

The other memorial is dedicated to Neilie Anne Heffernan Casey. Neilie was a passenger on Flight 11 on September 11, 2001. A memorial and bench bearing her name lay in the area now dubbed “Neilie Point”. A beautiful reminder of an awful day.

1 Comment | tags: attractions, beach, besutiful, birds, boats, cape cod, clouds, flowers, landscape, landscapes, memorial, memorials, Photography, photos, road trip, rocks, sand, summer, sun, travel, traveling, view, views, water | posted in beach, beautiful, birds, boat, boats, cape cod, flowers, memorial, photography, photos, road trip, rocks, travel, traveling, trip, views, water

September 13, 2015

Olde Mystik Village (Mystic, CT)

By New England Nomad

Tucked away in the quaint village of Mystic, Connecticut, stands the hidden gem known as The Olde Mystic Village.

At first glance, Mistick Village may seem like a nondescript shopping center. But, Mistick Village is much more.

There are many cramped stores for specialty merchandise such as custom made clothing and hand made jewelry, pet shops and eateries that dot the village. It would be easy to dismiss it as just another shopping center. But Mistik Village has many unexpected charms. One of the biggest surprises at Olde Mistik Village is something very unique.

Right there, smack dab in the middle of the village is a pond.

Forget about the cinema and the fudge shop. The ducks are the most popular attractions at the village. People feed them their dietary recommended food. Signs prominently remind people crackers and bread are not safe for the ducks to eat.

They are not restricted to the pond area either. You can regularly see the ducks roaming the walkways of the Mistik Village.

And, since so many people feed them, they are not shy.

The flowers and trees at Mistik Village are another unique feature of the shoopping center.

Yes, that is a birdhouse on the flag pole.

Keeping with the aquatic theme, a waterfall leads to a stream with koi fish.

Some of the most charming elements of the village are the decor. Walkways are furnished with wooden gateways.

Wooden chairs rest in front of this fashion shop.

Various structures are scattered throughout the village.

Of course, the Mistik Village is a dog friendly area.

I met Theo and Rebel. Theo was happy to see me. Rebel, on the left, not so much.

I also made a friend at Old Mistik Village. Charley is a rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina. His dad told us how, after noticing Charley, he arrived at the dog shelter at 5 a.m. to make sure he could adopt him. Charley is a very special dog.

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4 Comments | tags: attractions, connecticut, decor, dogs, ducks, fish, flowers, mystic, New England, Photography, photos, plants, pond, shopping center, site seeing, stream, trees, waterfall | posted in animals, attractions, connecticut, dogs, ducks, fish, flowers, New England, shop, shopping, shops, travel, traveling

September 6, 2015

Mount Greylock (Lanesborough, MA)

By New England Nomad

If you want to feel on top of the world, or at least on top of Massachusetts, there’s no place like Mount Greylock.

Clocking in at 3,491 feet and about an hour and a half west of Springfield, MA, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. With its miles of hiking trails and scenic views, Mount Greylock is the perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers. There is also a paved road to the summit with places to pull over to view the scenic beauty.

There are also some cute and pretty attractions off the main trails.

Even the views and flowers at the Visitor Center were captivating.

Along the trails

But, the pinnacle of Mount Greylock is the tower that sits atop the summit. First built as a tribute to the veterans of the first World War, the tower now serves as a memorial to all service members who have served the country. When it is lit each night, the tower is said to be able to be seen from 70 miles. The granite from which the tower was came from my hown city, Quincy (pronounced kwin-zee), Massachusetts.

Mount Greylock State Reservation is a dog friendly park. During my visit there were many dogs out enjoying the views.

Izzy was patiently waiting for his mom outside the visitor’s center.

Peanut was getting ready for his big hike.

Max was tired from hiking the trails at Greylock.

This fella was enjoying some rays.

Most of the wildlife at Mount Greylock was hidden during the day. But, I did see this grasshopper.

Mount Greylock is also a popular spot for paragliders. In fact, several paragliders took off from Mount Greylock during the day.

Mount Greylock is also a stop on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a long way to Georgia. Maybe I’ll try it sometime.

Leave a comment | tags: attractions, dogs, flowers, hike, Hiking, mount greylock, mountains, paraglider, paragliders, tower | posted in attractions, berkshires, dogs, flowers, hike, hiking, New England, paragliders, paragliding, park, photographs, photography, road trip, site seeing, trail, trails, travel, traveling

August 30, 2015

Granville State Forest (Granville, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

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

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

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

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

There are also an abundance of pretty flowers and trees.

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

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

And this frog who thought he could hide from me.

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

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

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

August 8, 2015

Hampton Ponds (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

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

And this one solitary goose.

Hampton Ponds has some very impressive trees.

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

Dragonflies also seemed to enjoy the greenery of Hampton Ponds.

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

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

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

The motorboats created pretty ripples along the glassy water.

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

Hampton Ponds is also a popular spot for dogs.

Hercules stopped playing so I could take his photo.

Sparky happily posed for his photo.

Hampton Ponds is also the perfect place to reflect

or to go fishing

or to just play in the water.

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

August 3, 2015

Mittaneague Park (West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

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