Tag Archives: photos

January 12, 2025

Frozen Fire Festival (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: January 1, 2025

Location: Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby St, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the area (parking was free during my visit because of the holiday)

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Frozen Fire Festival

Summary: Performers performed death defying acrobatic and fiery acts in a free event open to the public

Just because the “big holidays” were over, it doesn’t mean the festivities were over in Salem, MA!

During the week after Christmas and New Year’s Day, Salem has been hosting a variety of daredevils, acrobats and entertainers.

As you will see in this post, it was difficult to select the most interesting and fun photos to post. The entertainers were so talented and the event had so much to offer!

The events for each day varied slightly. I went on New Year’s Day, the last day of the event. There wasn’t a big crowd, perhaps in part because it was the last day of the event. While the event was free, people could rent an igloo to keep warm and there were food and beverage stations as well as curling lanes and warming stations.

People had so much fun curling! I never knew people could have so much fun playing this modified version of curling. Or, how intense the competition could be!

There were also smore or marshmallow stations. People could make their own smores or just toast marshmallows!

There was also a swing if you wanted to take a break and just relax.

There were also ice sculptures at the event. Since it was a mild day, there was only one sculpture I could photograph.

Now, on to the main attractions of the event! There were 6 half hour performances each hour. Some of the performers performed several times. But, their performances changed somewhat each time they performed. Some of the photos were taken at various performances throughout the day. Of course, it being New England, it snowed and rain intermittently throughout the day before the event. But, the weather didn’t affect the show!

Jay Moran kicked off the event with some agile fire tricks.

Qatherine showed off her skills.

Celia kept the tension high with her high aerial performance!

Not only was Orissa flexible (she is considered the “most flexible woman in the world), she also is an archery expert…with her feet!

But, my favorite performance of the night was Irina Jang. Not only did she put on an amazing performance, she also gave some great photo opportinities!

The event wasn’t just fun for people! Freya, a 2 year old, mini doodle also had fun at the event!

10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in fire, Massachusetts, New England, performers, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, winter

December 31, 2024

A Year Of Photography 2024 (New England)

By New England Nomad

Locations: All over New England

As the year winds down, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from 2024!

Because of my schedule and commitments, I don’t always get to post photos from all of my travels around this beautiful region. I also noticed sometimes I will edit only a few photos from one photo shoot before going onto editing photos from a different photo shoot. So, I haven’t fully edited all of the photos from several of my photo shoots. I will make completing one task before moving onto another task a resolution so this won’t happen going forward!

Another thing I do sometimes is I post my photos from some photo shoots on my Facebook or my Instagram profiles instead of WordPress. So, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share them on here!

Each year, I make goals or plans for my photography. One of my plans for this year was to spend Halloween in Salem, MA. I was able to get a hotel room and stayed the whole day there! It was something I have always wanted to do! There were so many incredible Halloween costumes and decorations!

One of my other plans for the year was to photograph more wildlife. While you can’t always make something like that happen since a lot of it does come down to luck or being in the right place at the right time, l do think you can prepare for the opportunities. I was fortunate to photograph these beautiful critters.

Too bad this lady was looking at her phone when this happened.

I took these photos of a snake in March, when the temperatures were still cold in the morning but warmer in the afternoon.

How did I get so close to a big garter snake like this? Well, essentially, this snake was sluggish due to the cold weather. Garter snakes hibernate (technically they experience a process called brumation which I’ll explain later) through the winter, usually from late October through March or early April. But, if we have some warmer days they may come out sooner. This little guy or lady “froze” in a process called brumation (as opposed to hibernation). In colder temperatures, you may see snakes like this one here seemingly “frozen” as if they were perhaps dead or in a state of dormancy much like a person staring at their phone.

Hibernation of cold-blooded animals like snakes is called brumation. While mammals technically hibernate, snakes, reptiles and some other cold blooded animals experience a process called brumation. The difference between hibernation and brumation is that during brumation snakes can wake up to drink, go to the bathroom, and bask in the sun. But, just like hibernation, they still spend most of their winter in a dormant state.

Have no fear, as the Audubon specialist working there told me they often “unfreeze” when the temperatures increase (much like what bees do when the temperatures dip) when it gets warmer.

I did check on him or her before I left and the snake was still there undisturbed.

I also photographed some sunrises, a sunset and a full moon!

Cliff Walk, Newport, RI

Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH

Independence Park, Beverly, MA

Revere Beach, Revere, MA

Webb Memorial Park, Weymouth, MA

Webb Memorial Park, Weymouth, MA

And, of course, I made several trips to my favorite lighthouse at Winter Island, Salem, MA!

Stanley Park in Westfield, MA, celebrated their 75th anniversary. To commemorate this anniversary, the park officials invited all of the people who were married there to come back for a reunion! This couple looks like they’ve barely aged!

Another exhibit I was able to photograph was the Flora In Flight art display at the New England Botanical Garden. Designed by Poetic Kinetics, Flora In Flight is meant to inspire audiences and connect them with the environment through visually striking experiences.

Recently, I made it out to the Christmas By Candlelight in Sturbridge, MA!

I also photographed some of the sand sculptures on the Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail.

So, I had a busy 2024! But, there is much more I want to see and show everyone in the upcoming year! I also plan on editing the remainder of the photos from the photo shoots above!

Thank you all for stopping by my posts!

I hope everyone has a happy, safe and successful 2025!

24 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in beach, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, sand sculptures, travel

December 31, 2024

Winterlights (Stockbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: Nov. 29, 2024 -Jan.4, 2025

Location: Naumkeag, 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA (2 hours west of Boston, MA)

Cost: $25 for adults, $12 for children

Universally Accessible” No, the trail includes stairs and some hilly inclines

Summary: Hundreds of thousands of lights lit up Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA

Ranked one of the top 10 winter attractions in the country, Naumkeag’s Winterlights display lived up to its hype this year!

The estate, which boasts a home with a 44 rooms and 40 acres of land, kept visitors in awe with its grandeur.

Every time I photograph a low light event like this I wish I could take my tripod with me. It would be easier from a technical standpoint and the photos would look better. But, for good reasons, they are not usually allowed on the grounds. So, I did my best with my Canon 5D Mark IV with my 24 mm prime (1.4 aperture).

In the garden area, there was a “wish tree.” People could write their wishes for the upcoming year and hang them on a tree.

I wouldn’t mind extra pizza rolls either. And best wishes, Scott.

So many wishes…

There was also an igloo like structure in the garden. You may see some fog that was piped into the area. (to the left of the third photo)

Everything was lit up and very festive looking!

Along the trail there was a cute little greenhouse that was decorated for the holidays!

Along the main trail, there were a variety of lights and objects that were lit up!

This tree to the right of the photo reminded me of the trees un the Wizard Of Oz for some reason!

These very unique lights looked like insects.

There were also these brightly lit hut like structures you could walk through.

From a distance, the main attraction of the display, the trees along the path looked majestic all lit up!

But, they looked even better up close.

There were also places to sit by the fire and get a beverage or two.

There were also decorations and a piano player at the home at Naumkeag.

The case in the photo below has a special collection of nutcrackers.

It’s hard to believe yet another holiday has come and gone! But, don’t fret! If you’re in New England, you only have 3 or 4 more moths of bone chilling weather!

15 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos

December 25, 2024

Christmas In Salem Part 3 – Grace Church (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 385 Essex St, Salem, MA

Website: Grace Church

Not all of the buildings in the Christmas In Salem tour are homes. This part of the tour took us to the Grace Church.

Grace Church has been at its current location since 1926. Previously, it was a wooden Gothic Revival building in 1869. The original church was demolished as it was deemed inadequate for the needs of the congregation. Philip Horton Smith and Edgar Walker, both architects of Salem, constructed the stone masonry late Gothic Revival structure that exists at the location today. Four of the stained glass windows in the church were transferred from the original 1856 structure, two of which are by Tiffany.

While the church was being built, Grace Church acquired the Burill House as a Parish House. The building has been remodeled and enlarged while adding a cloistered wing to the church.

Susan Gentile’s “Heavenly Light” art project adorns the walls of the church.

If you look closely at this stained glass window, you may see some historical figures (besides the obvious one).

In the second row of the stained glass window, there are images of Martin Luther King, Ghandi and Mother Teresa.

Grace Church is involved in many activities and causes such as the Abundant Life Garden which engages children in scripture and agriculture as well as many other causes.

5 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas In Salem, church, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel, Uncategorized

December 21, 2024

2024 Christmas In Salem Part 2 – The Thomas Whittredge House (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 7, 2024

Location: 144 Federal St, Salem, MA

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the Salem area

Universally Accessible: No, many of the homes do not have ramps or universally accessible entry

The second home on the Christmas In Salem tour is the Thomas Whittredge House. Thomas Whittredge, a shipmaster from Salem, purchased the land for the home on November 30, 1799. The house was finally built in 1802. The boundaries of the from the original deed have not changed an inch.

Fittingly, this home on Federal Street is built in the original Federal style which was popular from 1780 to 1820. The front facade is most noticeable due to its Doric pilasters elliptical fanlight above the door. Originally, there was a two story stable and a shed and outhouses on the property.

Whittredge was a master mariner who traded in the mid-Atlantic states. He owned two vessels that served as privateers during the war of 1812. He and his wife Sarah, a native of Danvers, were married in 1793. They lived in the home with their 4 children until Thomas’ death in 1829. Sarah lived in the house until 1841 when she transferred the deed to her daughter and son-in-law. The house, which was originally a single family home, was divided into a two-family home around 1885.

During the 1990s, a fire damaged the home. It would not be fully rebuilt until 20 years later.

The home still has its original floors in the fireplace area.

The house was dressed up for the holidays with bow, ribbons and a variety of lights!

If you look closely up this stairwell, you might see a portrait of one of the family members!

And what holiday home would be complete without a poinsettia! The best part were the free treats in the bowl!

Some of the visitors got into the holiday spirit and wore their best headwear for the event!

11 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas In Salem, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel

December 19, 2024

2024 Christmas In Salem Part 1 – The Cotting-Smith Assembly House (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 138 Federal St, Salem, MA

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the Salem area

Universally Accessible: No, many of the homes do not have ramps or universally accessible entry

When you ask most people what they think of when they think of Salem, MA they will most likely reply with something about Halloween and witches. However, Salem has become an all year round attraction. In fact, the Christmas in Salem event has quickly become one of the more popular events in Salem.

Christmas In Salem is a series of guided tours at 13 historic homes and buildings in Salem, MA. In these series of posts, I will take you all on these tours and give some observations from my perspective through my photos and the information provided by the informative tour hosts and the literature from this event.

The first home on the Christmas In Salem tour is the Cotting-Smith Assembly House (aka as the Assembly House) on Federal St. This house was used as the headquarters of the tour. People registered for the tour by showing their receipt and, upon registering, were given a handbook with the addresses and writeups for each building.

Built in 1782 as a “Federalist Clubhouse”, the Cotting-Smith Assembly House was used as a ballroom and concert venue as well as a place to host lectures and other events for Salem’s elite. The Marquis de Lafayette was said to have danced in that very house in 1784 and it is said that George Washington dined there in 1789. While the original documentation for the building is not available, it is believed the house was essentially plain and functional in its original state in 1782.

The building was originally funded as a joint stock venture. Once it was rendered obsolete in 1792, Jonathan Waldo, one of the original developers, obtained full ownership. Waldo then sold the house to Samuel Putnam in 1794. Either Waldo or Putnam hired renowned Salem architect and craftsman Samuel_McIntire to remodel it as a private home. McIntire added 4 pillar of iconic pilasters to the second floor facade and a pediment centered above. The Assembly House is said to the the only wooden structure designed by McIntire with a pavilion front. The house was later remodeled during the 1830s or 40s. During this time the Greek Revival portico was added to the front of the house featuring an ornate frieze of carved grape vines by master carpenter Joseph True. The Assembly House, which is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building acted as the meeting place for visitors to get their handbook of houses to visit and map of all of the buildings on the tour. So, there wasn’t much decor at this particular home. However, I did see some photo worthy things.

Sometimes the little things can tell a lot about a home. For instance, this wallpaper spoke to the trade relations between Salem and other countries. This wallpaper, which shows what looks like a rendition of life and culture of the people of Asia, may have been an example of how the owners traveled to certain parts of Asia. It was not unusual for people to put up wallpaper that reminded them of places they traveled to or traded with.

This is not an original print, though. It is a stylized representation of wallpaper from that time.

While wallpaper may not be in vogue now, it was a treasured possession of the wealthy at the time this house was built.

According to Historic New England, the earliest record of wallpaper in America is in the estate inventory of a Boston stationer in 1700, where “7 quires of painted paper and three reams of painted paper” were listed. But, only one wallpaper in Historic New England’s collection with a history in New England dates back to the 1700s. Like all early references, this was more descriptive of quantity than of design. Only one wallpaper in Historic New England’s collection with a history in New England dates to this early period. This wallpaper was later used to cover a copy book of poetry in 1783.

Initially, paper hangings, as wallpaper was called in the eighteenth century, were only available from stationer and book sellers. Or they could be custom ordered from merchants who specialized in importing luxury goods. Eventually, wall paper could be purchased from upholsterers.

Prior to 1760, only the wealthiest colonists in urban areas in New England could afford wallpaper. Wallpaper was expensive because of the process involved in making it. The rolls the wallpaper was printed on had to be made of individual sheets of paper. These sheets were glued together. Then, they were hand printed with wood blocks, one block for each color of the design.

That is what makes the Christmas In Salem event so interesting. You can learn so much about the history of wallpaper just by touring a historic home!

Please join me on my tours of all of these historic homes!

You can find me on Instagram here, new.england.nomad_

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I don’t do Twitter and I’m too old for TikTok!

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas, Christmas In Salem, historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, travel, Uncategorized

December 16, 2024

Holiday Kingdom (Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 6, 2024

Location: Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the area

Hours: They are visible 24 hours a day until Jan. 2

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Twelve 16 foot nutcrackers with animal characteristics have been

Website: Holiday Kingdom

The nutcrackers have taken over Boston!

Just in time for the holiday season, 12 sixteen foot nutcrackers have been placed throughout in Boston’s Downtown Crossing area. But, these are not any regular nutcrackers.

The nutcrackers, which are fashioned with similar attire one would find on an actual nutcracker, have one significant difference…they have animal heads!

The animals for the designs of the nutcrackers were selected by children during a visit with Downtown Boston Alliance President Michael J. Nichols at a local Boston day care center. Some of the animals they suggested using for that statues include an elephant, a bear, an eagle, a duck (specifically a mallard) and a dog among other animals.

Most of the nutcrackers, 7 to be exact, are located on Washington St. For a point of reference, I am showing the statues from the area of Washington St near the Paramount and going up Washington St. I’m including a photo of the Paramount just because, even though it’s arguably one of the most over photographed spot in Boston (I see you Acorn St and Fan Pier).

The first statue is a polar bear. It is located by the Suffolk University Modern Theater (and the Paramount Theater).

This cute little cat is located near the WINDR Museum on Washington St. I don’t like that smile. It looks like he or she got into some cat nip!

This mallard is located near Snipes (467 Washington St). Sometimes it was difficult to get a straight on photo of these statues because cars were parked in front of them. I actually just walked around and waited for the vehicles to move. But, taking a photo from an angle was a better option for this statue because the bill of the duck looks better from an angle.

I found this unicorn on Winter St after I took the next left after the mallard.

Then, I walked back towards Washington St and crossed over to Winter St where I found these 4 statues of a rhino, a horse, an elephant and an eagle near Macy’s (450 Washington St).

Then, I continued back onto Washington St to photograph the remaining statues. I found this deer near the Gap and DSW stores.

Just as an fyi, the attached map is not accurate. The map shows the dog as being at this location.

These 2 statues of a dog and another duck are located at the popular stairs between the TJ Maxx and Old Navy. I liked how the buildings looked in the background.

The last statue I found was of this beer near the Jewelers Building (333 Washington St)

All of the statues are easy to find and accessible to all. And I love the little accessories like the hats and the epaulets on their shoulders! I also appreciate how some of the animals seem to be talking or making faces in some cases. The best part, though, is the lights, of course. While you can view them day or night, the best time to view them is at night when the colors stand out more. However, the features may be easier to see during the daylight hours. But, don’t wait too long to see them. The statues will only be there until Jan. 2, 2025.

Of course, Boston was decked out with Christmas decor during my visit! So, as a bonus, I am adding this photo of one of the stars installed near one of the main streets in the city.

21 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Animal Kingdom, animals, Boston, Christmas, Holiday Kingdom, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, statues, travel

December 8, 2024

First Harbor Company Christmas Tree

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 3 Beacon St, Marblehead, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are a limited amount of parking spaces (about 5 total spots)

Universally Accessible: Yes

Summary: Each year at Christmas time, the First Harbor Company anchors a lit up Christmas tree in Marblehead Harbor.

For some people Christmas season begins right after they finish their last serving of sweet potatoes. I know…yuck!

But for me, Christmas time starts when the First Harbor Company drops anchor on their Christmas tree dinghy in Marblehead Bay. The First Harbor Company makes a variety of hand made products such as wreaths, leashes and buoys. They also sell other products such as books and prints. The dinghy is owned by Tom and Samantha Peach. They decorate the tree and launch it from the launching area at the Little Harbor Company.

I planned my arrival early in the morning before the sunrise to get photos that would accentuate the lights on the tree. I loved how peaceful the water seemed.

I used the other boats and buoys in the harbor to give perspective and frame the photo.

As the sun began to rise, the colors made the landscape so pretty. The pink, black and blue colors in the clouds gave both a warming and ominous feeling.

During my previous visits, the lights on the tree usually went out shortly after the sun rise. But, during this visit the lights stayed on well past sunrise. Although, they do not stay on for most of the day light hours.

If you do plan on seeing the tree in all its splendor, keep in mind parking is limited and because there are trailers and boats sometimes parked near the parking area, it can be hard to find parking there. I parked on the side of the access road at the entrance to avoid being stuck in the narrow parking spots.

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas, Marblehead, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos

November 23, 2024

Phantoms By Firelight (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 26, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Prices tanged from $14 to $45 depending on your age and when you bought them. More information can be found at the link below

Ticket prices

Universally Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free parking is included in the ticket price

Website: Phantoms By Firelight

Summary: Performers entertained visitors with gravity defying acts, fire breathing and other jaw dropping tricks!

Fiery frights awaited all at this year’s Phantoms By Firelight event at Old Sturbridge Village.

An array of performers, dare devils and acrobats entertained countless visitors last month at Old Sturbridge Village.

Perhaps this event should have been titled, “don’t try this at home.”

The family friendly event included card tricks by Magnus The Magnificent.

There were also games like this World Scramble game. Can you guess the phrase hidden in this world scramble?

After all the fun and games, it was off to the Village Common to watch Alexander the Upside Down Man.

The feats of strength by Andrew were very impressive!

Whew! I got sore and tired just watching Alexander!

Next on the list of things I’ll never be able to do was the rope climbing extraordinaire Philomena.

But, before the show got started, the ring master got the crowd pumped up for the event!

After all that climbing, Philomena took a well deserved rest!

After the show, I was able to take a photo of the star of the show!

As the evening wore on and darkness fell upon the village, The performers kept everyone warm and entertained! Ignatius and Anastasia, aka the Masters Of The Flame, kept everyone enthralled with their fiery tricks! I liked the contrast of the agility and graceful of Philomena and the pure rock and roll daredevil action of Ignatius and Anastasia!

After that breath taking display, it was on to the Cyrkus Vampyr Finale Ultimo. As the name would seem to suggest, this was the finale of the evening.

This performance included some awesome acrobatics and more fun with fire!

There were also additional shows at the event. In the spirit of the Halloween season, there were some macabre events like this re-enactment and info session about wakes. This event was both respectful and informative.

There was a lot of differences from wakes during the early 1800s. For instance, during the early 1800s, which is the time frame Old Sturbridge Village is based, people didn’t take visitors for wakes. People’s wakes were very different. People mourned and reflected on their own. A casket with a mannequin represented how the people would mourn.

The lighting and decor added to the atmosphere of the event.

The performers at the event were not the only people who dressed up! Some of the visitors also wore costumes or other decorative items.

In addition to all of the performances, there was a Clues & Candy game where they had to collect stamps to complete a picture. The lucky ones who completed the tasks were rewarded with a treat pick up! There were also demonstrations of casket making, musicians and spooking story telling!

Despite all of the fire and death defying acrobats (or maybe because of it), the Phantoms By Firelight event was a big hit with both old young!

Please see below for videos from the event!

19 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in acribatic, fire, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, photographs, photography, photos, Sturbridge, Uncategorized

November 15, 2024

6th Annual Farm Parade (Southwick, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Event: October 19, 2024

Location: College Highway, Southwick, MA (2 hours southwest of Boston, MA, 30 minutes northwest of Hartford, CT)

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking was available at some of the local establishments including the shopping center on College Highway

Universally Accessible: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Summary: Horses, cows, dogs, chickens and even a few people marched in the 6th annual animal parade to raise funds for the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

Parades usually feature people as the main participants. However, the Farm Parade in Southwick, MA, is a little different. Animals were the main attraction at this parade. Officials projected that 75 to 100 animals of all kinds were expected at the parade.

The parade was free for all who came to watch. But, there was a $20 fee to enter the parade. The proceeds went to help the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

The Powder Mill School marching band provided the musical entertainment for the event.

Another big attraction of the parade were the tractors, cars and other modes of transportation in the parade.

Since the parade was just before Halloween, there were lots of people dressed up and some of the vehicles were also decorated for the season!

But, out of all of the vehicles in the parade, the ones posted below are my favorites.

What fun it must have been to ride around in your own mini tractor or vehicle.

The people who went to the parade weren’t left out of the fun! As you may have noticed in the photo above, some of the people on the vehicles threw candy and beads to the onlookers!

Although it wasn’t required, some of the visitors dressed up for the event!

The farm parade has been growing in size over the years and I look forward to seeing what the following years have in store!

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in animals, Massachusetts, New England, parade, photographs, photography, photos, travel