Tag Archives: New England

June 13, 2016

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park (New Bedford, MA)

Date Visited: June 11, 2016

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.

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11 Comments | tags: attractions, boats, dogs, history, lighthouse, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, views, water | posted in beach, dogs, historical, history, memorials, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized, views, water

June 12, 2016

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 31, 2016

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

Cost: Free

Hours: Open from dawn until dusk

Parking: There is room for about 5 cars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 9, 2016

Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Easthampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 1, 2016

Location: 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA

Hours:

Trails & Restrooms:
Daily, dawn to dusk

Visitor Center
Mon-Thurs, 9 am – noon
Fri, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Sat, 9 am – noon
Sunday seasonally

Cost:

Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

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

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

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.

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12 Comments | tags: birds, deer, doe, hawk, Hiking, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, trees, water | posted in birds, hawk, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, wildlife

June 7, 2016

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Events: May 3 – May 5, 2016

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

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18 Comments | tags: dogs, fun, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, water | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 4, 2016

V.I.N.S. (Quechee, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 6565 Woodstock R d, Quechee, VT

Cost:

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

Parking: ample parking by the visitor center

http://www.vinsweb.org/

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.

See below for some of the videos of the shows.

19 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, Nature, New England, Photography, photos | posted in birds, nature, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 3, 2016

Canalside Trail (Turner Falls, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 28, 2016

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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9 Comments | tags: bridges, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Turner Falls, water | posted in bridges, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized, water

May 31, 2016

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 21, 2016 & May 22, 2016

Location: East Squantum St, Squantum (Quincy), MA

Cost: Free

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.

7 Comments | tags: attractions, beach, birds, dog, Hiking, Historical, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, trees, views, water | posted in beach, birds, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, quincy, Uncategorized, water

May 30, 2016

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 30, 2016

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.

5 Comments | tags: bell, flag, flags, gazebo, Historical, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in Agawam, bell, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, memorials, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

May 29, 2016

Montague Bookmill (Montague, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: March 28, 2016

Location: 440 Greenfield Rd, Montague, MA

Hours: Mon-Wed 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Thu-Sun 10 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Parking: there is lots of parking on the side and back of the book store. There is also a lot across the street from the bookstore.

Montague Book Mill

Do you like books? How about mills? Then I have just the place for you. But, this is no ordinary book store. A former gristmill now operating as a used book store, the Bookmill has gone through many changes throughout its history. But, it still keeps true to its beginnings. The structure is largely the very same one that operated as a mill so long ago and the brook that runs along the two floor book shop is the very same one they used to power the gristmill so long ago.

Upon arriving at the Bookmill, the first thing you notice is the brook fed by a waterfall adjacent to the shop.

A short easy to walk path takes you to the source of the stream of water.

The short waterfall and stream can be pretty fast in some spots. But, when I came to visit it slowed down after it plummeted down the waterfall.

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After the short walk back up the trail, you can access the bookstore by a wooden walkway with some more views of the waterfall and stream.

Or, you can just walk straight across (the easier route, less scenic route).

The great thing about the Bookmill is that it has kept much of the original charm and design of the past. Narrow stairwells and cozy corners are the hallmark of the shop. Memorabilia, such as old style typewriters, are scattered throughout the store. The staff doesn’t rush you nor do you feel a sense that profit is their main driver. Service and a respect for books seems to be the most important thing t the staff. It’s a great place for any book lover and anyone who loves to lounge around historic places.

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They even have newspaper clippings and memorabilia along the walls in the more private areas.

The Bookmill is not the only shop in the area. In the shopping area there is also a cafe, The Lady Killigrew Cafe, located next to the book store and The Alvah Stone, a restaurant. There are also two art studios and an entertainment/media store called Turn It Up. Turn It Up specializes in selling cd’s, dvd’s, vinyl and even cassette tapes. They also sell other memorabilia. It’s a unique store in a very unique shopping area.

The owner of Turn It Up let me photograph his 10 year old dog and part owner, Daisy.

Below is a video of the waterfall and stream next to the Bookmill.

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15 Comments | tags: book, dog, Historical, mall, Massachusetts, mill, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, shop, shopping, shopping center, shops, store, stores, water, waterfall | posted in historical, history, Massachusetts, store, Uncategorized

May 26, 2016

Ross Parking Garage Murals (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: May 21 & May 22, 2016

Location: Ross Parking Garage, Ross Way & Parking Way, Quincy, MA

Parking: Not for long

Hours: Not many more left

Like a lot of the biggish towns that many of us grew up in, Quincy, Massachusetts has seen a lot of changes over the years. Businesses have come and gone. But, the one thing that has remained a staple of the area for so long may seem rather mundane, a parking lot. As funny as it may seem, it is the one place most everyone has been to, either in their car or their friend’s car. Or, for some other reason people may not want to divulge.

The demolition of the garage, slated for the end of May, is just another example of the changing face of the Quincy landscape. The three story garage, which has 700 parking spots and has been around since 1984, will be replaced by a hotel. Even though it’s just a garage, and not a very state of the art or pretty one at that, it represents the changing of the city. And some people are pretty shook up about it for some reason.

Since the garage was blowing demolished sometime in the near future and the garage was being closed for good May 23, the city organized a block party and let some of the artists in the area paint some murals and art work on the walls of the garage the weekend before the garage was officially closed.

I caught this artist working on his mural

Here is the end result of all of his work

On the other side of this wall, I found this cool Quincy themed mural.

The road next to the garage was blocked off to traffic so people could congregate and enjoy the art work like the murals and art below.

Even the little kids at the block party got into the action.

The paintings in the upper levels of the garage were more graffiti than artsy.

“Be fearless in pursuit of what puts your soul on fire”(an unattributed famous quote)

I didn’t realize just how creepy abandoned parking garages can be until I went to photograph the Ross Parking Garage on its last day. It just doesn’t seem right.

Goodbye, Ross Parking Garage. You’ll be missed. Well, not really.

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23 Comments | tags: art, artists, blog, garage, Massachusetts, mural, murals, New England, parking, quincy | posted in art, blog, garage, murals, paintings, Uncategorized

New England Nomad

Tag Archives: New England

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park (New Bedford, MA)

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Easthampton, MA)

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

V.I.N.S. (Quechee, VT)

Canalside Trail (Turner Falls, MA)

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

Montague Bookmill (Montague, MA)

Ross Parking Garage Murals (Quincy, MA)

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