Halloween has become a big business. Pre-pandemic, Halloween generated approximately nine billion dollars a year. Last year, many events were canceled, and people felt safer staying home. This year Haloween is expected to come back with a vengeance and is predicted to be one the best Halloweens to date. Want to get in on the season and celebrate? Here are 10 of the Best Halloween Happenings in Massachusetts.
Haunted Happenings -Salem, MA
The most famous of all Halloween celebrations not only in Massachusetts, but the whole country takes place in Salem, MA. Salem is home to the Salem Witch trials and has so much history. Haunted Happenings are multiple events that take place during October in the city of Salem. Such events include a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.
Please note, there are COVID-restrictions in place in the city of Salem, so please make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Visit a Haunted Lighthouse or Two
Massachusetts is home to several haunted lights houses. From the shores of Cape Cod to Plymouth, Scituate, Boston, up to Salem, MA. You can read all about them here and plan your visit.
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Boston is home to some of the oldest burial grounds in the country. Also, did you know Boston has a fair amount of paranormal happenings? Board the trolly of terror, visit 2 of Boston’s oldest burial grounds, and see some of Boston’s most haunted places. For ticket prices and more, please see the website.
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
The Haunted Boston Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through Boston’s most historic areas and haunted streets. Spend an evening searching for the ghosts rumored to haunt the city of Boston. I found this tour to be a reasonable price at $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $13.00 per child. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Boo at the Zoo
Have you ever been trick or treating among the animals? On October 23rd and 24th, join our furry friends at the Stone Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Spend the day experiencing the chills and thrills of Halloween at the zoo. There will be costume contests, ghoulish games, trick or treating, and yummy seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts. I hear even the animals receive a pumpkin treat or two.
Please note, tickets are for a time entry, so you will need to purchase them ahead of time. Adults tickets are $20.95, children 2-12 are $13.95, and kids under 2 are free.
Zoo Howl
Zoo New England is putting on a second event at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston this Halloween season. Zoo Howl takes place on October 30th and 31st. Join our furry friends from 10:00 am-3:00 pm on either day with mystery animal encounters, trick or treating, and a costume contest. Get the chance to meet with zoo educators to learn all about creepy crawly critters, as well as how you can help animal habitats by purchasing sustainable sweets this Halloween.
Be sure to stop by and speak to a representative from Speak for the Trees Boston. Learn how this organization has planted over 1,000 trees in the city of Boston and what you can do to help. Activities for the little ones will be available to show how we can all get involved in helping save our planet no matter the age.
Be sure to check out the Zoo New England site for tickets and the most up-to-date information.
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween SCREAMPARK
Witch’s Woods is located in the Nashoba Valley Ski areas in Westford, MA. Open every Friday through Sunday during October; this experience is geared toward adults and older children. If you dare, start the evening off with a haunted hayride through the woods of Nashoba Valley. Be on the lookout for witches, zombies, werewolves, and more. Be sure to keep your hands in the wagon; you never know who may try and pull you out!
If you survive the hayride, next check out the Vampire Passage or dare to enter the dark gates of Castle Morbid. Still brave enough for more, try the 3D Keeper’s Crypt or the Horrowood Chamber of Thrills. Has enough of the scares, then relax a bit by checking out the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree. The festival consists of hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins that are brought to life.
The price of tickets ranges from $35-$42 each and can be purchased here.
Phantoms and Fire at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum depicting life in New England in the 19th century. From October 13-31st from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the museum transforms, and people of all ages will enjoy spooky delights, from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy, from ghosts and guitars to horror and creepy drama! Here short stories of Edgar Allan Poe come alive as you walk around to six different villages. Hear of tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception.
There is a scavenger hunt whereby you gather clues and present them on the way out for a prize.
Of course, what is Halloween without a treat or two? The tavern is transformed into Prosperos Tavern and carries all the seasonal treats. Costumes are welcome, and tickets may be bought online.
SK Pierce Mansion
This next event is not for the faint of heart. In Garnder, MA, Sylvester Pierce, who had achieved great fortune in the furniture business, built a 7000 square foot mansion. His first wife died within weeks of moving in due to a bacterial infection. He remarried and had more children. After Mr. Pierece and his second wife died, the children fought over the house. The youngest son eventually took over and went through some hard times. He turned the house into a boarding house with drinking, gambling, prostitution, and there were rumors of murder.
Over the years, the house has experienced paranormal activity, such as doors slamming, moving for furniture, the pressure on people’s backs, and one visitor was almost pushed out a window.
In 2015 the mansion was bought and restored. During Halloween, the basement is open to the public as a Halloween attraction as the only one in the country to combine the haunt industry and paranormal activity.
On an important note, due to the paranormal activity, participants must sign a waiver before entering the premises. If you dare, click here for tickets.
Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Last but certainly not least an event for all ages. For those who may not like the spooky part of Halloween, Naumkeag Pumpkin Show is the perfect night out. Naumkeag is a former country estate in Stockbridge, MA. At Halloween, it transforms its gardens and grounds with 1500 Jack O Lanterns, 100 mums pumpkins, and gourds; It is a must-see event. If you happen to be in the Berkshires, be sure to check it out.
Please note, at the time this post was published, this event was sold out for 2021. However, be sure to bookmark the page and keep it in mind for 2022.
As you can see, there are plenty of Halloween Happenings all over the state. Please note, due to most of the events being canceled in 2020, these events are likely to sell out. Buy your tickets early and have a wonderful Halloween!
The end of summer and the beginning of fall is apple picking season in Massachusetts. Each weekend the orchards are filled with people picking sweet apples, savoring the taste of apple cider donuts, and filling their baskets with baked goods, fresh produce, and more. Apple picking has become quite the affair here and all around New England. Many orchards are offering entertainment, petting zoos, wineries, and more. Here are seven of Massachusett’s best places to go apple picking this fall.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a family favorite. We have been picking apples here since the boys were small. Honey Pot is open seven days a week from 9-6 and is located in Stowe, MA. This family-owned farm is 186 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, and more.
In addition to picking apples, the orchard offers hayrides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, and a maze. Speaking of the maze, the Green Monster (named after Fenway’s Green Monster) is the largest hedge maze in North America. Honey Pot is known for its warm cider donuts. We always make sure to purchase at least a 1/2 dozen donuts. While the boys are munching on the donuts, I hit up the farm store. The store has a wide variety of jams, jellies, butter, baked goods, cold apple cider, and produce. Are you looking for a bit of lunch? Head over to the farm grill and grab a hot dog, hamburger, or a nice bowl of chowder. Honey Pot has added a hard cider tent for those patrons 21 years and older in the last couple of years.
The farm is open seven days a week, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. The cost of admission is $22.00 for a peck of apples, and that admits three people into the orchard. It is $33.00 for 1/2 a bushel, which admits up to 5 people into the orchard.
For more information, head over to their website.
Connor’s Farm
A few years ago, we headed to Connors Farm in Danvers, MA. Connors Farm is much more than an apple orchard. Open seven days a week; admission includes entrance to the orchard, a corn maze, farm animals, and a play area.
In addition to the above activities, Connor’s Farm hosts a few different themed nights. Hysteria Night is one of the top scream parks in America. It is a 30-minute walking trail through a haunted forest along the banks of a swamp to a real 17th-century burial ground.
For the little ones, the farm hosts a nonscary event called Flashlight Night. Kids and their families walk through the farm, using their flashlights to lead the way.
The farm boasts ten restaurants and food stands, including a BBQ pit, country kitchen, smokehouse, Farmdog grill, and more.
Connor’s Farm is open seven days a week from 8:00 am-5:30 pm. Admission to the 7-acre farm and play areas is $13.00 a person during the week and $18.99 a person on the weekends. The cost of the apples is separate.
For the latest conditions at the farm, hop on over to their website.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
This family-owned farm is located in Natick, MA. It was one of the first in our local area to offer hard cider and beer. They pride themselves on their outdoor farm dining experience sited on 180 scenic acres. Guests can enjoy Lookout Farm beers, hard ciders, and New England cuisine while taking in the surrounding farm views.
The farm has a play area, farm animals, a farmer’s market and farm stand, fresh apple cider donuts, and of course, an apple orchard! Reservations are strongly encouraged as it is quite the happening place to be around here.
Picking is currently only on the weekends, but make sure to check their site for up-to-date information. The picking hours are 10:00 am-4:30 pm. A half peck bag is $20.00.
To make reservations, see a menu or the latest picking conditions, click here.
Tougas Family Farm
Tougas Family Farm is another favorite of our family. A bit smaller than the others, but certainly not lacking in things to do. The farm is located in Northboro, MA, and has a lovely orchard for picking apples. The admission price includes the apples and barnyard animals, a playground, picnic area, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch. The farm store smells amazing with apples, fresh pies, cider donuts, and Tougas Farm’s famous kettle corn. If looking for something with a bit more sustenance, Tougas has a farm grill serving lunch.
The farm is open for picking from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. A 10lb bag is $33.00 and admits three people into the orchard. The 20lb bag is $46.00 and permits five people. Be sure to check here for hours for the farm stand and other activities.
Red Apple Farm
I discovered Red Apple Farm while researching this article. This is a family-owned farm located in North Central Massachusetts. It has sprawling views of Wachusett Mountain and the surrounding forests. The farmhouse was built in the 1700s and their fruit is grown using Integrated Pest Management and is a University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Mentor Farm.
In addition to picking apples, the farm has a country store with seasonal fruit, baked goods, apple dumplings, donuts, ice cream, gifts, and more. It is known for its homemade fudge and local products. Every weekend summer through fall, the Country Barn is transformed into an outdoor brewery tap “room,” serving up local brews, freshly roasted nuts, barbecue, and popped-on-the-spot popcorn along with other yummy treats.
For the kids, there are wagon rides and farm animals. The farm boasts beautiful walking trails and various festivals and farm outings. I believe this is where we will head this fall to pick apples.
Hours vary, so please check the website for more information.
Bartlett Apple Orchard & Farm Market
The next apple orchard takes us out to the Berkshires in western Massachusets. Bartlett Apple Orchard. In addition to picking apples, the farm has a market with fresh apple cider, donuts, baked goods, and more.
What makes this orchard special is its views. As I mentioned, it is in the heart of the Berkshires, home to many of Massachusett’s beautiful state parks, hiking trails, and more. More information on Barlett Apple Orchard can be found here and make sure to check out my post on the Berkshires. Why not make a weekend of it?
Bolton Spring Farm
Looking for a smaller, quaint place to pick your apples? Look no further than Bolton Spring Farm. Located in Bolton, MA a friend of mine told me about this farm. It is one of the oldest and scenic apple orchards in New England.
The farm is 150 acres of land that transports its guests back to simpler times in New England. There is a farm stand with fresh fruit and veggies, a bakery with delicious baked goods, a kitchen with local honey, jams, jellies, meats, sauces, and more, and a country store with gifts.
The pick your own hours are 9:00 am-4:40 pm daily, Click here to see the latest picking conditions.
As you can see, Massachusetts has some great apple orchards for adults and kids alike. There are many more I could have highlighted, but this gives you a lot of options for now.
Are you looking for other fall activities? Check out my article on five things to do this fall and Ten Fall Activities to do in New England. Make sure to check websites to see current dates and times.
Happy Fall!
Before I go, a shout out to my friend Nicole Jones for sharing her photos from Bolton Spring Farm with me today. She and her family enjoyed a day picking apples and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I would love it if you would head over to her Facebook page and give her a follow. She is such an inspiration and helps thousands of people on their fitness journeys.
Winter in New England can seem never-ending. March can be a long month, leaving most New Englanders itching for spring. As the buds on the trees come to life and the flowers start to bloom, many people are coming out of hibernation and looking for things to do. I have pulled together a list of 20 things to do this spring in New England.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Boston’s Public Garden and the Swan Boats.
The Boston Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America. It contains 80 species of plants and is home to beautiful swan boats. Since the 1800s, the swan boats have sailed around the park’s lagoon and become a symbol of the city of Boston. Robert Paget invented this style of boat, and four generations later, the Paget family still owns and operates the Swan boats.
The boats open for the season on May 8th and will remain open through Labor Day. The cost is $4.50, an adult, $3.00 for children 2-15, and under two are free. It is one of my favorite things to do in the city.
Attend a Baseball Game or Tour Fenway Park
If you are a baseball fan, one can not come to Boston without visiting the oldest and most beloved ballpark in America. Pick up tickets to a game and experience firsthand why Red Sox Nation loves this ballpark and their Sox. Sox not in town while you are here? No fear, take an hour-long tour of the park. Feel the presence of Ted Williams, Yaz, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek, and Big Papi. Sit on top of the famous Green Monster. Tours are available year-round and depart every hour.
Boston Duck Tours
One of the best sighting seeing tours in Boston is the Duck Tours. It is a fully narrated historic tour of Boston that is seen by both land and sea! Well, the Charles River, but you get the point. These boats are a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. A conDUCKtor will be narrating your tour as you drive through the streets of the city, hitting many of its famous marks. Kids even get to drive the boat!
Attend one of New England’s Many Flower Festivals
Many festivals have been canceled, postponed, or are being held virtually for 2021. Please check with the event organizers before planning your trip.
A couple of years ago, we spent Mother’s Day at the Wicked Tulips Farm in Rhode Island. We explored the beautiful gardens and picked our own tulips. In doing my research, I have discovered New England has several flower festivals through the spring. According to Trip Savvy, these are the best Springtime Flower festivals in New England.
Daffodil Days at Blithewold
Blithewold Mansion is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, and its Gateway Event to Spring takes place every April. Fifty thousand daffodils are growing on 33 acres of gardens and woodland paths. In addition to the daffodils, in early May, flowering cherry trees, primroses, and star magnolias show their stuff, and by late May, the grounds come alive with columbine, forget-me-nots, and lupine.
Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Hop on board a ferry and head over to Nantucket, Massachusetts, for the annual Daffodil Festival.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s festival will be held virtually. It is quite the show with more than three million daffodils, complete with a seaside view and an iconic lighthouse.
Meriden Daffodil Festival
The Meriden Daffodil Festival is held in Meriden, Connecticut, each year at the end of April. It is called Connecticut’s most colorful April event. Usually, there are carnival rides, a food tent, games, and more.
However, due to the pandemic, this year’s festival is canceled. However,
Hubbard Park is still open to the public to drive through and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
Lilac Sunday
At Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, the grounds are home to 408 lilac plants representing 179 different varieties. For this reason, Lilac Sunday is one of North America’s most significant lilac-focused events. Embark on a self-guided tour after printing a tour brochure, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. The lilacs are in bloom for approximately four weeks, starting in late April to mid-May.
Maple Sugar Festival
On the last week of March, head on up to Maine and visit one of the 100 sugar shack participants in this annual event. See how maple syrup is made, sample some tasty treats, and bring home some of the country’s best maple syrup. You can find more information here.
Covered Bridge Tour
Jump in the car and head on up to either New Hampshire or Vermont and hunt for covered bridges. You can easily find a map online that lists all of the cover bridges. Why not make a weekend of it and spend the time exploring some of the most beautiful covered bridges on this side of the Mississippi.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in the United States to visit. There are twenty-seven miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads to drive and hike throughout the park. It has earned its title Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. The park houses the highest mountains along the Atlantic seacoast.
Coastal Highway U.S. 1 in Maine
Take a drive up the Maine coastline and experience some breathtaking views. Along the way, stop for a lobster roll and steamers. Make sure to visit some of Maine’s iconic lighthouses. The route will take you from the New Hampshire and Maine border all along the coast of Maine, the St. Croix River, and then along the border of the U.S. and Canada. I suggest you take a few days to enjoy this adventure.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA
At the tip of the National Seashore is Race Point Beach. This gorgeous beach is a great beach to watch wildlife (seals, dolphins, whales, and perhaps a great white) and see one of the most amazing sunsets.
If you are so inclined, you can walk the three-mile trail to see the Race Point lighthouse or bike the eight-mile Cape Cod Province Lands Bike Trail, which winds through towering dunes.
Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm
Head to Woodstock, Vermont, and attend Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm, an annual tradition to meet the baby animals. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Woodstock is a great place to visit, from sampling Vermont’s famous cheeses to hiking to strolling the historic downtown.
Boston Food Tour
Boston has some fantastic food tours. One year my best friend and I, along with our husbands, took a Historic Pizza and Taverns Tour. It started in the North End, went to Charlestown, and back to the Faneuil Hall area. It was a lot of fun and yummy. There are so many to choose from. You can find a list of Boston’s best food tours here.
Whale Watching off the Maine coast.
Mid-April is when the humpbacks make their way to Kennebunkport’s waters and other coastal areas of Maine.
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Dinosaur State Palk has one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. On display in the museum are early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. In addition to the exhibit center are two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur Arboretum. The arboretum contains over 250 species and other living representatives of plant families around during the dinosaur’s age.
Mark Twain House
Designated National Historic Landmark, the Mark Twain House is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and showcases Mark Twain’s life and career. The museum chronicles his life and works, including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, which he wrote while living there.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea is the most significant maritime museum in the United States. The museum is known for its collection of sailing ships and boats and the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village. The maritime town consists of more than 60 historic buildings. There is also a fantastic aquarium, and make sure to grab some pizza from Mystic Pizza.
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH
The Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum that brings more than 300 years of American history to life. The museum spans 10 acres in downtown Portsmouth’s waterfront neighborhood and features 32 historic buildings and eight heritage gardens.
The Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich, MA
Named one of the top 10 boardwalks by National Geographic, the Sandwich boardwalk spans 1,350 ft over a marsh before it connects to Boardwalk beach. It an excellent place for birdwatching and watching ships enter the Cape Cod Canal.
Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal is a man-made canal connecting Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south and is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The canal is used extensively by recreational and commercial vessels. You will access fishing and trails for in-line skaters, bicyclists, and walkers on both sides of the canal. Several parking areas are maintained at access points. The Corps of Engineers lease bourne Scenic Park to the Town of Bourne Recreation Authority for use as a tent and R.V. campground adjacent to the canal.
Castle Island, South Boston, MA
Castle Island is a peninsula on the shores of the Boston Harbor. It a recreation site and home to Fort Independence. Attractions include a playground, beach and swimming access, and Sullivan’s restaurant. You can also take a tour of Fort Independence.
Explore a Massachusetts State Park
With 151 state parks to choose from, you could spend the entire season exploring the state parks. Some of our favorites include Halibut Point, Natural Bridge, and Bash Bish Falls.
So there you have it, 20 things to do this spring in New England. Which one would you do first?
Welcome to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Though my whole family grew up in New England, we never learned how to ski. When the boys were little, they took a few lessons but never really got into it. Robbie’s hockey scheduled did not allow for much time to spend on the slopes, and Nicholas outright disliked it. So when I suggested we head to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a few days, the first thing my son asked what we will do? Well, Nicholas, what won’t we do is the better question!
Where to stay in the White Mountains?
The White Mountains have plenty of motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, ski lodges, and house rentals. We wanted a more homey feel, so I decided we would rent from Airbnb for the first time. I was always hesitant to use them, as I had heard horror stories from my friends. However, I had also seen and heard of some fantastic properties. We took a chance and rented a three-bedroom condo in the small town of Thorton, NH. It did not disappoint!
Welcome basket in the mud room. 
Living Room 
Table with a wealth of information 
Living Room 
Kitchen 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 2 
Leads to Master 
Loved the coffee station 
Master Bedroom 
Master Bedroom
The condo had everything we could think of and more. Plus, it was minutes to skiing, hiking, restaurants, & NH’s renowned White Mountain National Forest.
There was an open concept living room with a huge cathedral ceiling setup with comfy seating for 10, 4K TV with surround sound, plus a treasure chest of dozens of inspiring books and card/board games.
As for the kitchen, it came equipped for cooking and dining: high top seating for six at the expandable table, dishwasher, oven, microwave, Foreman Grill, Ninja blender, & one-button coffee maker that grinds & brews. The owner even provided the beans!
Oh, and can we talk about the master bedroom? It was a quick two steps up off the living room. Featuring a gorgeous queen-sized canopy bed, top-10 rated premium memory foam mattress, dual nightstands with wireless charging for our phones. There was a private balcony off the master to enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a glass of wine at night.
Located downstairs were two more bedrooms. Two double beds with the same premium memory foam mattresses in one room, two bunk beds sleeping four children/light adults total. Both rooms were steps from the full downstairs bathroom and in-unit washer/dryer. The house was fully stocked with towels, sheets, washcloths, and blankets.
What to do in the White Mountains?
We arrived on a Thursday evening and spent it relaxing in the condo. The next morning we got up and, after a leisurely morning, headed toward N. Woodstock, NH, to explore the White Mountains for a bit before heading to the Ice Castles. I was on a quest to find a covered bridge and frozen waterfall. As I told my husband, I was not going home until I saw both!
According to the map, once in N. Woodstock, we would head west on Rt 112. This took us right into the White Mountain National Forest.
The views were beautiful, but the photos didn’t really capture it that well due to the overcast.
The following excerpt was taken directly from the National Forest website.
The White Mountain National Forest was established in 1914, with 7,000 acres bought for 13 dollars an acre. Today the area has expanded to over 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and the lands that were once razed and blackened are now vibrant and healthy.
One of only two National Forests in New England, the White Mountain is truly a unique natural wonder. As you wander through the lower-elevation mixed hardwood forests, it’s easy to stumble upon a piece of history, be it an old foundation, logging camp, or railroad bed. The area was first colonized in the 1600s, and before that, it was home to numerous Native American tribes.
Moving higher in elevation, the forest notably shifts, with conifers like hemlock, pines, and spruce dominating the landscape. The White Mountains are home to the most rugged and challenging terrain in the region. Boasting some of the highest peaks in New England, the tops of these mountains are home to unique health communities and stunted krummholz forests of firs and spruces.
The White Mountain National Forest is a vacation hotspot for a reason – it holds some of the best recreation opportunities in the North East. Hikers and Backpackers test their endurance on trips that bring them from granite peak to peak, with challenging elevation drops and gains in between.
After conquering a day’s worth of summits, hikers can rest their weary feet and tired heads in a series of mountain huts that provide everything from dinner and breakfast to pillows and wool blankets (but bring your own sheets or sleeping bag). All this adds up to a winning combination of rugged days and comfortable nights that has given the system a reputation for the best hut-to-hut hiking outside of Europe.
About 30 minutes into the ride, we came upon the Swiftwater Covered Bridge.
Located in Bath, NH, this bridge is the fourth to cross the Wild Ammonoosuc River. Originally built in 1810, but was carried away in 1818 by a flood and replaced in the same year. In 1828, the bridge was destroyed by another flood. The third bridge was erected in 1829 and remained at the site until 1849. At that time, it was dismantled and replaced by the current bridge. The state rebuilt this bridge in 1977. The Swiftwater Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ice Castles in the White Mountains
The whole purpose of our trip was to see the White Mountain’s version of Ice Castles. I have wanted to attend this event for the last 4-5 years and was FINALLY successful in snagging some tickets.
Ice Castles was beautiful! It looks like something straight from the movie Frozen. Located in 4 states, Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wisconsin, it all started with a dad building an ice cave in his front yard for his 6 kids. Not only did his kids love it, but the whole town did.
Fun facts
🧊 Founded in 2011
🧊 In 4 locations.
🧊 Each castle is over 29 million pounds.
🧊12,000 icicles are grown each day.
Like most things with this virus, it was a timed ticket. However, once we were there, we could stay as long as we wanted. I wanted to see the castle in both the day and night. We arrived at 5:00 pm just as the sun was starting to set. Within 45 minutes of being there, nighttime arrived, and we experienced the castle all lit up. Fortunately, the weather was not too bad. We made sure to have warm clothing, plus snow pants. We were all comfortable.
So what is there to see? Well, there is the ice castle itself. There are frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more. Our son had fun flying down the ice slides. There is an area for tubing. We were going to try that, but the line was a bit long and, honestly, not the best thing for my back. I purchased tickets for the sleigh ride. It was a relaxing ride through the woods located toward the back of the castle and tubing area. There was also a quarter of a mile walking path; all lit up with colored lights. It was beautiful. Of course, like most places, there were booths to purchase hot drinks and snacks and a gift shop.
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains
Though we do not ski, I thought we would try our hand at snowshoeing. I booked through Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, New Hampshire. We met at their base camp in Lincoln and from there drove about 6 miles to Barron Mountain. The tour is approximately 90 minutes long. We had a tour guide take us up and back down the mountain. Once at the top, we took in the beautiful views of Franconia Notch State Park. It is hard working going up a mountain, but even harder coming back down. It took a lot of concentration to prevent myself from tumbling down! However, it was a lot of fun, and I think Santa will be bringing everyone snowshoes next Christmas!
Up we go 
Taking in the beauty. 
So pretty 
No one around but us. 
What a view!
Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty, and culture.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest. You will see breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc (its famous nick-name) takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point.
People flock here in the fall to see the breathtaking foliage. However, we found it to be a beautiful place to see in the winter as well. Here is where I knew I would find a frozen waterfall!
As we drove along the Kanc, we stopped at a few places to take some photos. The higher up in elevation we went, the cloudier it became and not ideal for photos. We also found quite a few of the trails were closed due to ice. There was a particular waterfall I had wanted to see, but it closed. However, I was determined and found the Rocky Gorge was a short walk from the road.
Rocky Gorge is a powerful narrow gorge carved by glaciers, where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Rocky Gorge offers a 10′ drop and rapids through the gorge.
This is definitely a place we want to come back to in the fall. There is a trail that leads to a pond that we want to hike. From what I heard, the views are amazing.
Where to eat in the White Mountains?
One of the reasons I wanted to rent a house or a condo was to have access to a kitchen. It was perfect for having coffee and breakfast in the morning. However, that is the extent of my use of the kitchen. I don’t particularly appreciate cooking at home and certainly do not want to be doing it while I am away. With plenty of places to eat in the White Mountains, it was not hard to find a place to please all our palettes. Everywhere we ate was good, but two places really hit it out of the park.
Woodstock Inn and Brewery in N. Woodstock, NH, had a great atmosphere, food, and terrific service. Their portions were generous. I had the mac and cheese. It was baked to perfection. The winterscotch martini was divine. It was made with Vanilla Bean Vodka, Baileys, and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. The boys really enjoyed dessert, peanut butter pie, and a brownie sundae!
Winterscotch Martini 
Mac & Cheese 
Flatbread Pizza 
Peanutbutter Pie 
Brownie Sundae 
Woodstock Inn & Brewery
The second place we enjoyed was right outside of Loon Mountain Ski Resort. It was called the OneLove Brewery. Bill and I both had the chicken and waffles. Nicholas had the fish and chips. We enjoyed a giant pretzel as an appetizer. Again, the portions were huge, the service was terrific, and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. It was perfect after a long day of being outside in the White Mountains.
Cool sign 
Drinks 
Giant pretzel 
Fish and Chips 
Chicken and Waffles
As you can see, even if you are not a skier, there is still plenty to do in the White Mountains in the winter. All it takes is some warm clothes and a positive attitude.
What adventures have you enjoyed this winter?
Interested in more of what New Hampshire has to offer? Check out my article on the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Last September, we escaped to the lakes region of New Hampshire for a long weekend. It had been years since I had explored this area. I was just a child the last time I was here. We spent four days and three nights hiking a castle and browsing the towns along Lake Winnipesaukee.
What and Where is the Lakes Region of New Hampshire?
The Lakes Region is located south of the White Mountains in east-central New Hampshire. There over 270 lakes in New Hampshire, including Lake Winnipesaukee (the largest lake in the state), Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Sunapee. It is also home to two mountain ranges, the Belknap and Ossipee Mountains. A popular summer destination, the Lakes Region offers something for everyone, including boating, water sports, fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. However, there is no lack of activities during the other three seasons.
Lodging In the Lakes Region
There are plenty of places to stay in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. From campsites, Airbnbs, resorts, and boutique hotels, the possibilities are endless. We chose to stay at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton, NH. The resort sits on top of Steele Hill, overlooking Lake Winnespauske and Lake Squam. It has 500 acres of land consisting of hiking trails, a golf course, a private pond for fishing, and more. Accommodations range from two-bedroom suites to cozy rooms located in the original inn.
Amenities include:
- 2 Indoor Pools/2 Outdoor Pools
- Whirlpools & Saunas
- Free 9-hole Executive Golf Course
- Snowmobiling with access to state trails (bring your own machine)
- Fishing in our private pond (catch & release)
- Racquetball and Tennis courts
- Health Club
- Hiking/Snowshoe Trails
- Horseshoes
- Children’s Playground
- Ice Skating (weather permitting)
- Tobogganing & Sledding (sleds not provided)
- Wii U & PlayStation 4 Gaming Systems in Lobby
- The Market, an onsite convenience store
- Hilltop Restaurant and Tova’s Tavern
- Laundry Facilities
- Ice Machines
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which was plenty big for the 4 of us. We had a full kitchen, living room, with a pull-out couch, dining area, a full bath, and a master bedroom. Our suite overlooked the Belnap Mountains and the lakes. It was clean, comfortable, and moderately priced. However, I do think pre-covid, the prices would be slightly higher.
Living room 
Full kitchen 
View from the room 
Master bedroom 
Living room again 
Bathroom 
Main Inn 
Recreation Center 
Fitness center 
Arcade 
VIew from recreation center 
Indoor pool
Another bonus to the resort was its onsite restaurant. It was excellent. The resort is a bit hidden away, and it can be 20 mins or more to the nearest restaurant. Having the restaurant as an option was great. One of the days, our kids ordered take out from there so they could stay in and watch football, leaving my husband and I free to explore on our own without worrying about them.
Things to Do in the Lakes Region
For our first full day in New Hampshire, we headed to Castle in the Clouds. Castle in the Clouds is a mountaintop estate located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. It is a 16-room mansion with 5,294-acres of land.
I had toured the mansion when I was a child, but a lot has changed. Or at least in my mind, it has! Castle in the Clouds is so much more than a mansion tour. There is a guided basement tour, an exhibit hall featuring the career of the original owner of the castle, Thomas Plant, a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, hiking and walking trails, winter activities, events, and more.
We chose to tour the mansion, grab a snack at the cafe, and then set out on one of their more picturesque hikes featuring seven waterfalls.
Tour of the Lucknow Estate
The tour starts with a trolly ride up the road to the estate once owned by Thomas and Olive Plant. From there, you meet a guide and receive a 10-15 minute orientation on the history of the estate. The tour of the mansion is self-guided, though there were plenty of guides stationed in each room to answer any questions. Due to COVID, admission was staggered, so at times it seemed we had the house to ourselves. It was quite lovely.
View from parking lot. 
Old stove 
Kitchen 
Formal Dining room 
Game room 
Old fashion intercom 
Home decor 
Thomas Plant 
View from inside 
Another view 
Bedroom 
Bedside table 
Bathroon 
Love the old products 
Interesting shower 
Another bedroom 
Tea anyone? 
Soap 
Hey, I know that company!
The inside of the house was impressive, but it was outside that caught my attention. The gardens, the grounds, and the views of the mountains were my favorite part of the tour.
After touring the mansion and grounds, we headed back down and grabbed a snack from the Castle Cafe. Once we fueled up, we hiked on one of the many trails here at Castle in the Clouds.
Brook Walk Trail
Brook Walk Trail is a moderate hiking trail that has seven spectacular waterfalls. There are signs along the route providing descriptions of the waterfalls and photos of how the falls looked many, many years ago. The falls include Twin Falls, Whittier Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Falls of Song, a 40 ft plunge waterfall.
The hike was lovely, and the boys enjoyed seeing the different waterfalls. It would be a great place to go back to and hike in the evening. There are quite a few trails to explore.
Meredith, New Hampshire
The next day we headed out early to the town of Meredith, NH. Meredith is a major resort town located on the shores of Lake Winnespauke, the largest lake in the New Hampshire Lakes Region. Our first stop, Hart’s Turkey Farm.
Hart’s Turkey Farm was a restaurant I grew up going to when on vacation in New Hampshire. I have fond memories of it and wanted my kids to experience it as well. It did not disappoint! As you can probably guess, turkey is the specialty, but they have other menu items. After we ate, we stopped by their store, where I picked up some local maple syrup and candy for the kids.
After lunch, we headed into the town of Meredith. It has a picturesque downtown area, with lots of restaurants and shops. The kids hung out at a park along the lake while Bill and I walked around snapping photos and picking up a book at a local bookstore. We noticed around town were these sculptures. It is an annual exhibit called Meredith Sculpture Walk. You can learn more about it here.
Lake Winnipesaukee 
Nicholas hanging out. 
Memorial 
Sculpture 
Lake Winnipesaukee 
Beautiful day on the lake. 
Lighthouse 
Sculpture 
Another Sculpture 
Sculpture 
One more sculpture 
Bill being goofy.
A Morning Hike and Wolfboro, New Hampshire
On Sunday, the boys told us ahead of time they did not plan to leave the room all day. They wanted to watch football. They are certainly old enough to stay by themselves, and it gave Bill and me some 1-1 time, something we rarely get these days. We started the day with a hike around the property. The resort has three hiking trails totaling 5 miles. We hiked two out of the three trails. The trails are relatively flat, with some elevation toward the end of one of the trails. We passed through an open field, marshy areas, and even an old burial ground. According to the Steele Hill Resort website:
“The Joseph Leavitt Burial Ground is the largest of two cemeteries located onsite at Steele Hill Resorts, which dates back to the early 1800s. The oldest headstone in this particular graveyard is over two centuries old with the date 1818 engraved upon it belonging to Abner Kimball. The majority of the headstones at the cemetery are legible with the youngest to be buried at the location being only three months old.
A local man named John Douglas Crawford was sent to Germany in 1946 to be a liaison medical officer for the Office of Military Government. John, unfortunately, had to leave his pregnant wife, Caroline, home in the United States. After giving birth to their daughter Margo, Caroline had set out to visit John so he could meet his daughter for the first time. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to meet his daughter or the chance to see his wife again as their plane crashed into a ridgeline on a windy night departing from Newfoundland. Both Caroline and Margo share a headstone onsite.
The most recent headstone was added in 2014 and belongs to Lola Rose Cutillo. Her husband, Ralph Cutillo, former president of Steele Hill Resorts, has his tombstone sitting adjacent to Lola’s.”
Pretty interesting, right?
Great trail for hiking. 
Yes, I do appear in photos. 
Send help! 
Old burial grounds 
Old burial grounds 
Bill and I
After our morning hike, Bill and I headed to Wolfboro, New Hampshire. Located next to Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfboro is the “Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Wolfboro has a cute downtown area with lots of little shops to visit. First stop, ice cream at the Yum Yum Shop.
Then we headed over to Cate Park, which overlooks Wolfboro Bay. It was a great place to stop and do some people watching.
The main street of Wolfboro is lined with shops and restaurants. They had the cutest bookstore, and as an avid reader, I had to stop and browse.
We weren’t in any hurry, nor were we hungry for dinner, so we found a trail that started at the old Wolfboro Train Station, close to where we parked the car. The Cotton Rail Trail is a beautiful trail, following the old railroad tracks but occasionally veering off and winding through the woods before returning to the tracks for 11 miles. Along the way, we saw beautiful lakes, homes, and more. We walked for about a 1.5 before turning around and heading back into town. Once in town, we grabbed some dinner before going back to the resort to relax for the night
One Last Meal Before Heading Home
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast? I wanted to grab something hearty before we left for home. Plus, we had a couple of hours to kill before stopping by the bookstore at my son’s college before going home.
Heritage Farm Pancake House came highly recommended by the people at our resort. It serves a farm-fresh family-style breakfast. It is one price per person, and each person receives their choice of pancakes, fresh farm eggs, homegrown home fries, & bacon, and drinks. You can check out their menu here. The boys had chocolate chip pancakes, and Bill and I had blueberry pancakes. The food was delicious! As we waited for our food to be served, we walked around the farm visiting all the animals.
We will defintely be back!
Our final stop of the trip was to Southern New Hampshire University. Our son, Robbie, is a freshman studying sports management. Unfortunately, due to the virus, he is studying online from home. The campus is expected to open in the fall, and we all can’t wait for that to happen. In the meantime, we stopped at the bookstore to grab some swag and walk around a bit. Go, Penmen!
I hope you enjoyed this small glimpse into the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is definitely a beautiful place to visit regardless of the season.
Interested in learning more about New England? Check out my posts on the Berkshires, Provincetown, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Refuge, and Chatham, MA.
There is just a week left to 2020. A year that had so much promise but left a lot to be desired. I remember writing out my goals for the year, thinking about my son’s high school graduation, vacations, family celebrations, college acceptances, road races, and more. Three months in, that all went up in smoke. What started as “two weeks home to flatten the curve” is still going on, nine months later.
It has been challenging. Life as we know it changed. Life became scary for the time being. We knew nothing about the virus. People were and are again dying at an alarming rate. Schools shut down. Life’s celebrations were put on hold. Travel stopped. Masks became the “norm.” Our nation has become more divided, and honestly, my faith in my fellow Americans has been lost a bit.
Before I go on, I would like to say this post is NOT to minimize the hardships others have faced this year. My heart goes out to those suffering from this illness, who had lost a loved one and have suffered financially this year. I pray 2021 brings peace to all.
However, as I sit here and reflect on 2020, it wasn’t all bad for me. Through the tears and frustrations, there have been positives to come out of 2020.
2020 Positive Moments
First and foremost, my family is HEALTHY! This includes our extended family and the four of us. That has and will continue to be our priority. My Dad is immunocompromised, and we all work hard to make sure he stays safe.
My Dad hit his 10 year cancer free anniversary!
Bill and I are gainfully employed and have continued to work through the pandemic. We are also in a position where we could give a bit more to those in need, and we have this year.
I had a birthday parade at age 48. LOL! Yes, this was a highlight of my year. My crazy family came by with balloons, a sign, my Dad on his golf cart, and a special visitor.
Our son graduated high school in May. It was not the graduation I envisioned, but it was perfect. The school went out of its way to make it special for the seniors. He loved it because there were no boring speeches for him to sit through. We were also able to celebrate with those in our bubble.
Spending more time as a family has had its ups and downs. As a busy family, we are not used to being together 24/7 on the weekends. I am happy to report, we did not kill each other!
We took a vacation with our extended family, something we typically do not do. It was a great couple of weeks.
We spent more time outside hiking and exploring our own state. Who knew Massachusetts had so many state parks and wildlife refuges.
Though extremely disappointed that our son cannot spend his freshman year of college on campus, I am enjoying the extra time with him. The first 19 years of his life have gone so fast. I blinked, and he is all grown up. However, I have him home for another 9 months, and that makes this mama happy.
Our youngest has continued with karate despite the pandemic and one step closer to becoming a black belt.
2020 Discoveries
I have discovered the ease of grocery delivery. I may never grocery shop in person again.
I discovered I missed working in an office. I miss my people. However, I have finally adjusted to working from home and believe I have finally nailed down time management when it comes to work, getting things done, and stopping when it is time to stop.
I hate cooking, but it has been tolerable with meals from meal delivery kits like Hello Fresh and Gobble.
Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney + and more. LOL!
I still take as many photos regardless of what is happening in the world!
2020 Pluses
I had more time to scrapbook.
I read 50 books.
I found some great self-care and personal development podcasts.
I learned Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Ringtone.
My social media for my blog has grown.
I have made some great new friends.
Oh, and the biggest plus of 2020, I never ran out of toilet paper!!!
Now, what about you? What positives have come out of 2020 for you and your family? Remember, no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.
This summer, we started on a quest to visit as many Massachusetts state parks as we could before the winter hit. I found that quite a few of the parks we wanted to see were a couple of hours away, in the Berkshires. With Columbus Day weekend only a few weeks away, we booked a trip “out west” and mapped out which parks we would try and squeeze in over three days. The Natural Bridge State Park made our list.
Before we get to the park, what is the Berkshires? Despite living in Massachusetts all of my life, I am ashamed to admit I had never been to the Berkshires. Now, I am looking forward to going back, mostly to hike and Christmas next year.
The Berkshires is a county in Massachusetts and refers to a portion of the Green Mountain Range that comes down from Vermont into Western Massachusetts. The region extends to Northwest Connecticut and includes the Taconic Mountains bordering the state of New York. It is approximately 120 miles west of Boston and 140 miles north of New York City.
The Berkshires is known for its picture-perfect mountain tops, lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreational activities. The county consists of quaint towns with eclectic festivals, museums, antique shops, farm to table restaurants, and quirky coffee shops.
Fun Fact: The Berkshires was named among the 12 last great places by the Nature Conservancy.
As I mentioned, the Berkshires is known for its outdoor recreational activities. The region is home to 15 state forests and six state parks. One of those state parks is the Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams, Massachusetts.
The Natural Bridge State Park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America. The bridge is made up of 550 million-year-old bedrock marble. It was carved into its famous arch by forces of glacial meltwater 13,000 years ago.
The bridge spans over the Hudson Brook and tumbles into a steep 60-foot gorge. The hike around the chasm is approximately a quarter of a mile.
Also at the park is the only white marble dam in North America. The dam was built in the early 1800s to power the Hoosac Marble Mill. Unfortunately, the mill was destroyed in a fire in 1947.
After hiking the chasm and taking photos of the bridge, we set off on a 1/2 mile wooded hike on the property.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, the romantic novelist, visited in 1838 and wrote, “The cave makes a fresh impression on me every time I visit…so deep, so irregular, so gloomy, so stern.”
Next on our to-do list, Bash Bish Falls in Mt. Washington, MA. Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state (60 feet). The park is adjacent to Mt. Washington State Forest and New York’s Taconic State Park. All of the streams that drain off the Taconic Mountains and the town of Mt. Washington flow into the Bash Bish Brook and cascade down the falls. The Bash Bish Brook joins Roeliff Jansen Kill, which empties into the Hudson River.
The park has two entrances, one is in Massachusetts, and the other is in New York. They are approximately one mile from each other. The hike to the falls from the New York parking lot is longer but a bit flatter. The one from the Massachusett parking lot is shorter but a bit steeper. When we went, the Massachusetts parking lot was closed for construction, so off to New York, we went. The drive was about 30 mins from our condo, and it was beautiful. I wanted to get there early, as I heard it can get quite crowded.
Fall in New York 
Small New York Town 
Colors exploding 
Gorgeous fall day
The parking lot is not that big and was already starting to fill up. The weather was in the 60s, so perfect for a hike. The hike is about 1.50 miles round trip and relatively flat. As we approached the falls, you could hear them before seeing them. Along the way, you can see the brook as it passes you by.
The falls have a bit of legend behind them. The tale is that a beautiful Indian maiden was accused of committing adultery. Her punishment was to be strapped to a canoe and sent over the falls. Before they could carry out her punishment, a mist surrounded the area with a ring of butterflies. This so transfixed her captors; they did not notice she took this opportunity to escape. Before they could recapture her, she threw herself over the falls. Her body was never recovered. This led to the belief that she was a witch. The legend further says that her daughter, White Swan, was adopted by this tribe. Once married, she realized she had infertility. Her husband was allowed to take on another wife. She was devastated and would often go up to the top of the falls to seek comfort from her mother’s spirit. One night she had a dream that her mother was calling for her to jump from the falls and thought maybe this was a prophecy. One night her husband joined her at the falls and gave her a butterfly. White Swan saw this as a sign and leaped to her death. Her husband, devastated, went after her. The tribe recovered his body, but her body was never found. Some believe that the Indian Maiden had been tossed over in a canoe from the beginning, which is how she died. No matter which story one believes, hikers have claimed to hear soft voices telling them to jump in the falls or falling water taking the shape of a woman. True or not, it is all very fascinating.
After our hike to the falls, we left to find a nice coffee and walk through the town of Stockbridge, MA.
Stockbridge was home to Norman Rockwell. His studio is still there today. Stockbridge’s picturesque Main Street is in his famous painting, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. It is the quintessential New England town. We visited a local coffee shop and had Pumpkin Chai Latte tea. We browsed through the general store, where I picked up a gift for my nephew. Then we stopped at a local chocolate shop for some treats. Afterward, we headed to the Norman Rockwell Museum. It had sold out for the day, but you could take a walk on the grounds. We saw his studio and took in the fantastic views.
Country store 
Old fashioned candles 
Love the theming 
Country store 
An old church
Later in the day, after a nap at the condo, we headed back out to the town of Lenox, MA. Lenox is known for the arts and the home of Tanglewood, the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. We had dinner reservations at an Italian restaurant and had some time to kill before the reservations. We walked through the town square, saw some sculptures in a local park, and had ourselves an ice cream.
The restaurant, Prime Italian Steakhouse and Bar was delicious. My husband had chicken parm, our son had pizza, and I had pasta and meatballs. The chocolate martini was not bad, either!
Another great place we ate at was 51 Park Restaurant and Tavern, located in Lee, MA. It was only Bill and me, Nicholas wasn’t feeling well. Honestly, there was either basketball or football on tv, and he wanted to watch it! The weather was pretty mild, so we asked to be seated outside. They had a lovely patio area with patio heaters and lights. The food was excellent, and the Dirty Pumpkin Lattes were AMAZING!
Outdoor decor 
Heaters & lights 
Dirty Pumpkin Lattes 
Truffle Fries 
Pork Chops 
Ice cubes made of espresso 
Maple Creme Brulee
The town of Lee is also where we stayed for the weekend. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Vacation Club at the Berkshires. We had a two-bedroom, two-bath condo. It had a balcony with a table and chairs. The amenities included an indoor and outdoor pool, mini-golf, basketball, hiking trails, and more. It was clean and had excellent safety procedures in place. Though this part of the state had seen very few cases of the virus, they were still very cautious, and we appreciated that. Here are some photos of the condo.
Kitchen 
Living Space 
Nicholas’s room 
Nicholas’s bathroom 
Master Bed with bath 
Coffee Table 
Balcony
We enjoyed our time at the condo and were looking forward to hiking the trails at the resort, but it was raining pretty hard that Monday, so we grabbed some breakfast and drove home.
Our time in the Berkshires was great. There is still so much more to see and do. I started making a list, so we will know where to go next time. Until then, here are a few more shots from our weekend.
Fall is my absolute most favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, falling leaves, the smells, and more. I love attending craft shows, festivals, and harvest fests. Unfortunately, most of these events have been canceled due to the virus. Though the fall may look different this year, I can assure you there is still plenty to do and see this season. Here are five fun fall activities to do this season.
Apple Picking
One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards, in Stowe, MA. Back in September, we headed over to Honey Pot for our annual tradition. We had to make a reservation and wear our mask, but otherwise, things were the same. Oh, and the cider donuts, just as good as the year before.
Go for a Hike
Inspired by my friend Karen, we started to explore many of the Massachusetts state parks and wildlife sanctuaries this summer. Summer is a great time to visit the parks, but fall is even better! With cooler weather and the leaves starting to turn, going for a hike is the perfect fall activity. This past weekend we hiked the Natural Bridge State Park and Bash Bish Falls State Park. We could get our daily dose of vitamin D, some exercise, and enjoyed some great views.
Leaf Peeping
Why not spend a day driving around looking at the fantastic foliage. Depending on where you live, there is still plenty of colors to see. I suggest researching routes in your area and picking a few stops on the way. In western Massachusetts, Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway is a perfect route to follow. The byway starts in Russell, MA, winds through the small towns of Russell, Huntington, Chester, Becket, and Lee, providing views of the Westfield River along the way. It ends at the Lee/Lenox town line in Berkshire County.
Support Local Towns
Our economy has taken a hit over the last six months. In particular, small local businesses have bee hit hard during the pandemic. These businesses need us now more than ever. Why not head to your local coffee shop and grab a hot drink. The holidays are around the corner. Perhaps get a head start on your holiday shopping and see what the local retailers have to offer. We spent yesterday walking the streets of Stockbridge and Lenox, MA. We grabbed some coffee, visited a local chocolate store, poked around a country store, and found a Christmas gift for our nephew. With the fall decor on the buildings, a chill in the air, and the color exploding around us, it was a perfect fall afternoon.
Curl Up with Good Book
Sometimes the universe sends us a sign. If you are like me, you are always on the go. And why not? There is so much to do and see in this world. If there is one thing this pandemic had shown me, it is sometimes okay to slow down. It is okay to stay home and do nothing. Why not put on a hoodie, grab a blanket, a book, and a warm drink, and head outside. Find a comfortable spot for the next couple of hours and read. Not into reading? Then how about sitting in a comfortable place and just be.
Whatever it is you choose to do this fall, I hope you have an amazing time.
Last month, we spent two weeks on Cape Cod for our big summer vacation. As much as we love the beach, there is so much more to do and see on the Cape. My youngest son and I decided to take advantage of the time and explore some things off the beaten path. Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The Massachusetts Audubon Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving nature in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It protects 36,500 acres of land throughout the state, saves birds and other wildlife, and makes nature accessible through its wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. During school vacation and in the summer, the society has camps for kids. The Audubon Society has all sorts of programs, from bird watching, art, and photography, guided tours, and with the onset of the virus, it is providing quite a few virtual programs as well. It is not something we have taken advantage of before, but plan on doing more in the months ahead.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is an easy drive, straight down Route 6 on the Cape. The trails are open Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 am-7:30 pm. There is a fee to park; however, due to the visitor’s center being closed, there was no one to collect the payment. Wellfleet Bay overlooks the beautiful Wellfleet Harbor. There are numerous trails to explore that lead to a salt marsh, a sandy barrier beach, and woodlands. There is also a nature center with exhibits and an aquarium. Unfortunately, the nature center was closed. Though that was okay, we were there to explore the outdoors. With 1,183 acres and 5 miles of trails, there is a lot to explore.
There are six trails to explore. A map of each one can be downloaded to your phone.
- Bay View Trail- this is a woodland trail that provides plenty of shade.
- The Boardwalk- it crosses the salt marsh over to the beach.
- Goose Pond Trail- this trail is excellent for birdwatching.
- Silver Spring Trail- this trail borders a fresh pond.
- Try Island Trail- another woodland trail with views Cape Cod Bay.
- All Persons Pathway and Sensory Trail- includes an audio tour that that can be downloaded.
Since it was our first time and quite hot out, Nicholas and I chose the Bay View Trail. Little did we know it is the longest trail. Perhaps I should have read up on it more before going!
The Bayview Trail winds through the pine woodlands. It took us by a salt marsh, a pond, and then some sandplain grasslands. My son has recently taken up birdwatching. He enjoyed seeing and hearing all the different birds and trying to guess which was which. My favorite views were of the salt marsh. It was beautiful.
We were at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge the day before and while Nicholas enjoyed it, he preferred Wellfleet. We are already planning to come down in the fall and explore more of the trails when it is not so hot and muggy.
What about you? Have you explored anything off the beaten path recently?
Welcome! I am glad you stopped by. Grab a drink, sit down and get ready to explore Gatlinburg, TN, the 6th destination in my Travel Bucket List Series.
Gatlinburg is considered the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Once a dirt road, now is the most visited mountain town in the area. Incorporated in 1945, 2020 marks 75 years, and we are so excited to visit this summer and join in on the celebrations! Gatlinburg is a 14-15 hour drive from our home in Massachusetts. My husband is not a big fan of road trips. The long hours in the car are not his idea of fun. To help make the ROAD trip part of this trip enjoyable, we plan to make a couple stops both down and back. The first stop is Natural Bridge, VA.
Natural Bridge, VA, is an unincorporated community of Rockbridge County. It sits in the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley and on the edge of the Blue Ridge mountains. It is home to the enormous rock bridge, The Natural Bridge. The bridge serves as a gateway to Natural Bridge State Park. In the state park, one will find the beautiful Cedar Creek Trail and the Monacan Indian Living History Village. There is also Natural Bridge Caverns, museums, and restaurants that surround this beautiful park.
We are spending two nights in Natural Bridge. I made it easy and booked us a room at the Natural Bridge Hotel. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to The Nature Bridge and the Natural Bridge Caverns, it seems like the perfect place to lay our weary heads for a couple of nights..
Gatlinburg
We will arrive in Gatlinburg that Sunday and plan on spending five days/nights exploring the city, neighboring towns, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Our home for the new few days is an adorable cabin located in the heart of Gatlinburg. A friend recommended Mountain Shadow Rentals & Resort.
Here is the description of the of cabin taken directly from the website.
“Upon entering, you’ll step into a large great room with spacious living, kitchen, and dining areas. Looking up at the cathedral ceilings from either side gives you a diamond-shaped view of the exterior hillsides. The kitchen features all stainless appliances with the meal prep utensils you need to prepare a variety of meals. The range features a natural gas stovetop for the best cooking experience as well as a gas oven for baking. Directly across from the range is an island with granite countertop and sink. Owners Pat and Ruthie have taken the utmost care in stocking the kitchen with many essentials, including cookware, countertop appliances, silverware, cutlery, utensils, and dishes to make for the most pleasant cooking dining experience in your cabin. A large flat-screen Smart TV sits atop the mountain stone gas log fireplace. Spectrum cable and high-speed internet service are available. There is a closet in the kitchen with a washer and dryer for your convenience. On either side of the great room are bedrooms that are entered through beautifully custom-crafted sliding barn doors. Each bedroom has a flat-screen TV, a king-size bed, a chest of drawers, a closet, a private bathroom, one with a stand-up shower, and a combination tub & shower. From the living area step out onto an expansive covered porch with large outdoor hot tub, relaxing rocking chairs, and a high-quality gas grill. There is so much to enjoy in Cubs in the Treetops. Relax and enjoy when the oohing and aahing are over!”
I can’t wait to have my coffee on the deck looking out at the mountains.
Once in Gatlinburg, we have received a list of recommendations to try. These are our top picks.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It is 520,000 acres with 244,000 acres of that in the state of Tennessee. There is a lot to see and do. It is known for its waterfalls that you can either hike or drive to. There are over 800 miles of trails and 400 miles of roadway. There is plenty of wildlife to view, such as deer, elk, black bears, birds, and more. The park is filled with historical buildings. Over 90 historic structures—houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove is a valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing is here. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile loop that circles the cove. You can go at your own leisure and pull off the road to see the sites.
Gatlinburg SkyPark & Bridge
We will take the SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain and take in the sweeping views. For more amazing views, the brave ones in the family will cross the SkyBridge. The SkyBridge stretches 680 feet across a deep valley in a single span. After the terrifying walk across the bridge, I plan on relaxing in an outdoor chair on the deck and having a drink.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
My husband is a huge car buff so when I saw this museum listed, I knew I had to weave it into our itinerary. It may be a place that the three boys explore while I go shopping!
Ripley’s Aquarium
The aquarium is the home of a 340-foot underwater tunnel. Come face to face with sharks, sea turtles, swordfish, and other sea animals. Though currently closed due to COVID, we hope to experience their new, indoor Glass Bottom Boat Adventure!
Pigeon Forge
Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a must-see. I am a big true crime fan, and I could spend hours in a museum related to crime. We will dive deep into criminal profiles, the penal system, victims’ stories, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement, and our justice system. The museum is 25,000 square feet and includes over 100 interactives.
In addition to the activities above, time permitting we hope to do the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Dollywood, and more. There is just so much to do and see.
Asheville, NC & the Biltmore Estate
Before we head home, we are going to spend two days in Asheville, NC. I have always wanted to see the Biltmore and explore the grounds. We have made a reservation at the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa. A little pampering before a long drive home is exactly what we (I) will need.
