Are you an empty nester or perhaps have kids in their late teens who are too busy to spend time with Mom and Dad? That is where I find myself these days. Our boys are 21 and 17 and have their own lives. There is less time spent with my husband and me and more times than not; we are our own.
It is a new phase in life and quite an adjustment. Gone are the days of the playground, little league games, children’s museums, etc. However, instead of dwelling on the past, why not focus on the present and the future? This is a time to reconnect with your spouse, friends, and loved ones. To help you do just that, I have created the Ultimate Summer Bucketlist for Adults.
Date Your Spouse
When was the last time you went out with just your spouse? Summer is a great time to start! Make a plan once a week to try a new restaurant, grab a coffee, take a walk together, or have a date night in. Put away the phones, turn off Netflix, and concentrate on each other.
Find a New Hobby or Resume an Old One
Summer is a great time to pick up a hobby. Want to become more active? Join a walking or running group, learn a new sport, like pickleball, or explore your local state parks by hiking. There may have been a hobby you did long before kids came along. Why not restart it? I scrapbook, and now that the kids are older, I have more time to dedicate to my favorite pastime.
Host an Informal Cocktail Party
Summer nights around the firepit are so much fun. However, instead of the smores, why not pick one or two signature cocktails to make, set out some appetizers, and have yourself an excellent get-together.
A Day of Exploration
Get in your car and see where it takes you. My husband and I do this a couple of times a year. We set out toward an area of that state we want to become more familiar with and see what we can find to do. Usually, it involves hiking, visiting a local attraction, and stopping for a meal. It is a great way to get to know your state.
Start a Book Club
With my kids older, I have more time for one of my favorite past times, reading! Why not get your friends involved and start a book club? It can be weekly, monthly, or whatever frequency you decide. Want to make it more interesting? Pick a theme and have members dress up as a character from that genre.
Rent a Sailboat for the Day
While in Greece, my husband and I chartered a sailboat with six other people. We had such a fantastic time. Now that we are back home, we looked at doing the same thing here. It is a great way to spend the day with friends and to see the sites.
Pick your Own Fruit or Veggies
Last summer, my sister, her husband, and I picked carrots at a local farm. It was such a fun and unique experience. We learned that this particular farm offers different fruits and veggies to pick each month. It is quite the variety. Why not pick yourself a healthy snack?
Watch a Sunset on the Beach
There is nothing more romantic than a stroll on the beach during sunset. Make a whole night of it and pack a picnic for dinner, have an adult beverage, and watch the day come to a close with the one you love.
I hope I have inspired you to try something new this summer and embrace this new season of life.
Tell me, what is on your summer bucket list?
I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life, and fall, by far, is my favorite season. I love the cooler weather, the colors of the season, the smell of apples and pumpkins in the air, and so much more. The list of activities this time of year is endless! There are fall festivals, hikes, apple and pumpkin picking, and haunted houses, to name a few. Here are five amazing fall activities to do in Massachusetts.
Pick your own Apples.
Apple picking is an annual tradition in our home. Massachusetts has some of the best apple orchards with a lot more than just apples. Many orchards have invested in their businesses and added beer & wine gardens, cider tastings, corn mazes, petting zoos, vast food offerings, and more. With over 80 pick-your-own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. Here are a few recommendations.
Honey Pot Hill Farms – Stowe, MA
Honey Pot Hill is my family’s favorite orchard. We have been going here since our boys were babies. The cider donuts are made fresh daily and melt in your mouth. You can enjoy hayrides, mazes, grill food, pumpkins, farm animals, and more.
Lookout Farm– Natick, MA
Lookout Farm is one of the oldest continuously working farms in the United States. In addition to its orchard, you can enjoy a great meal at The Lookout. The Lookout serves up its own beer and hard cider, along with a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays, The Lookout serves a yummy brunch. Why not have a great meal with incredible views?
Bartlett’s Orchard -Richmond, MA
What makes this orchard special? The amazing views of the Berkshires, of course. Bartlett’s Orchard is located in the heart of the Berkshires, the perfect place to spend a fall day. With many hiking trails nearby, why not hike in the morning and spend an afternoon picking apples and eating a cider donut or two? I hear their apple cider is pretty good as well.
Hiking
With thousands of hiking trails in Massachusetts, let’s spend a day exploring. Hiking is a great way to see the fall foliage and get some exercise at the same time. I would recommend the following hikes.
Bash Bish Falls- 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. 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. It is a short hike from the New York side, about 1.50 miles round trip, and relatively flat.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet, MA, Cape Cod
Wellfleet 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. There are numerous trails to explore that lead to a salt marsh, a sandy barrier beach, and woodlands.
Noanet Woodlands-Dover, MA
We hiked this area this past spring but planned to return in the next few weeks. It has consistently been rated one of the best local hikes in the fall. There is a network of trails across a great preserve that features woodlands and ponds, a former mill site, and Noanet Peak, which offers views of the Boston skyline.
Mt. Greylock- Lanesborough, MA
At 3,491 feet, Mt. Greylock is Massachusetts’s tallest peak. The Bellows Pipe trail reveals all the fuss: The view at the top includes a lighthouse-looking structure (the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower), and in the distance, Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Catskills, and on a clear day, New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Take a Scenic Drive.
Not up a hike? No fear, another great way to see the beauty of the season is by car. A few routes throughout the state are known for their spectacular views and a great way to spend the day leaf-peeping.
The Mohawk Trail- Western Massachusetts
Mohawk Trail
The Mohawk Trail is the first scenic road in New England. It officially opened on October 22, 1914. With 63 miles of unsurpassed splendor and 50,000 acres of state parks and forests, it’s an excellent choice for fun and adventure for all ages during any season.
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
This road is perfect if you want to devote a whole day to taking in the beautiful foliage. You’ll be treated to sights like Natural Bridge State Park, Bascom Lodge, and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Driving the whole road will take you about 2.5 hours, but the beautiful fall colors are completely worth it.
Battle Road Scenic Byway
The Battle Road Scenic Byway traces the approximate route the British soldiers took at the start of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. This 13-mile drive is jam-packed with history with numerous sites along the way. There is a hiking trail as well. I walked part of it last fall and enjoyed the various stops along the way.
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Rockport, MA
This lovely ride will take you through 14 coastal towns and past some of the best foliage north of Boston. You’ll drive by colonial architecture, historical sites, and plenty of beautiful trees.
Salem Haunted Happenings
The most famous of all Halloween celebrations not only in Massachusetts, but the whole country take 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.
Attend a Pumpkin Festival.
Just about every weekend, there is some event involving pumpkins! Whether it is stopping in a coffee shop for some pumpkin spice coffee, walking through a pumpkin patch looking for that perfect pumpkin, or admiring some amazing carved pumpkins, there is something for everyone. Here are a few events to check out.
Pumpkin Float At Frog Pond, Boston
(Taken directly from the website) “Participants can bring an 8-inch diameter or smaller, hollowed-out jack-o’-lantern to one of the specified dropoff locations at the Frog Pond. Volunteers will illuminate your carved jack-o’-lantern artwork and set it afloat in the pond. Watch the Frog Pond fill with twinkling lights peaking through the carved pumpkin designs as they gracefully bob and float across the water.”
Krochmal Farms Annual Pumpkin Festival, Tewksbury
The Krochmal Farms Annual Pumpkin Festival is a traditional fall pumpkin-focused great time. Head out to the patch and pick your own pumpkin or buy one already chosen for you. While at the farm, why not enjoy a horse-down hayride, pony rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo.
Hallowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth, Salem
The Hallowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth is an indoor event that is fun for the entire family. Showcasing over 1,000 intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns, you will be in awe of the carving expertise slashed across the surface of huge orange balls.
In addition to all these fun activities, why not check out some of the local Halloween events?
So which one of these activities will you be doing over the weekend?
Welcome to Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in Northwestern Wyoming, just north of the town of Jackson. The park is approximately 310,000 acres and encompasses 40 peaks from the Teton Range. Another famous park, Yellowstone, is connected by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and 10 miles north of Grand Teton. In 1929 Grand Teton National Park protected the Teton Range’s significant peaks. Around that same time, Rockefeller (Jr.) started buying up land and planned to donate it to the U.S. Federal government to add to the park. Mr. Rockefeller fell in love with the area and wanted to preserve it as much as possible.
Today, Grand Teton National Park is one of the country’s ten most visited National Parks. I can see why. The beauty in this park is second to none, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
Over the next few weeks, I will share our trip and provide insights, tips, tricks, and more. I hope you come along for the ride.
What if I only have one day in Grand Teton National Park?
No problem! Unlike its sister park to the North, Yellowstone, it is possible to hit a good portion of the park in one day. It takes getting up early and staying out late, but believe me; it is worth it! This can be done in one of two ways. You can go on a tour or hire a guide to do it independently. Because it was our first time visiting the park, we did both. We had a private tour on our first full day in Grand Teton. We were picked up bright and early and returned home in the evening. The tour included both breakfast and lunch. The next few days, we explored the park independently and saw the sights we did not see the first day or revisited some of our favorites, like Jenny Lake.
As always, before heading out, don’t forget to check out the National Park Service website for up-to-date information on road closures and other important announcements.
Where to go first in Grand Teton National Park.
As I advised earlier, you need to start the day early! This is for two reasons: you want to squeeze as much as possible in your one day, and two, to beat the crowds. Please keep in mind this itinerary assumes you are staying in Jackson. If staying in other areas of Wyoming or if in the park, you may need to move things around. I would recommend heading to one of two places first, Mormom Row or Gros Ventre Road along the Gros Ventre River.
Mormon Row
Mormon Row is a historic district located in the park. According to the National Park Service website
“Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, sent parties from the Salt Lake Valley to establish new communities and support their expanding population. Mormon homesteaders, who settled east of Blacktail Butte near the turn of the 19-century, clustered their farms to share labor and community, a stark contrast with the isolation typical of many western homesteads. These settlers first arrived in the 1890s from Idaho, establishing a community (named Grovont by the U.S. Post Office) known today as “Mormon Row.”
Homesteaders established 27 homesteads in the Grovont area because of relatively fertile soil, shelter from winds by Blacktail Butte, and access to the Gros Ventre River. Despite the harsh conditions of Jackson Hole, Mormon settlers grew crops by using irrigation. These hardy settlers dug ditches by hand and with teams of horses, building an intricate network of levees and dikes to funnel water from central ditches to their fields between 1896 and 1937. Water still flows in some of these ditches.”
Mormon Row Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 as a Historic District.
This area is known to photographers for its amazing sunrises over the barn and the Tetons. Hence, this may be an area to visit first when exploring the park. We did not see it at dawn. Instead, we went back one evening and caught the sunset.
Gros Ventre Road
Our first stop was a drive down Gros Ventre Road, where we pulled up alongside the Gros Ventre River. Early in the morning is prime time moose-watching!
We saw a few moose and many photographers trying to get that perfect shot.
Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls
After stopping for this beautiful view of the Tetons,
we headed to Jenny Lake.
Jenny Lake is one of the most popular spots in Grand Teton. It has beautiful views of the Teton mountains and many gorgeous hikes. We loved it so much we went back a couple of days later and hiked the lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. I will go into more detail on that hike at a later date.
Once at Jenny Lake, head over to the boat dock and purchase tickets to take the boat over to the other side of the lake. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. The shuttle boat offers several options. One can take the shuttle round-trip (over and back with hiking time between); One-way from either East or West dock (ride the boat one way and hike one way). It is possible to hike to Hidden Falls and then take the shuttle to return to the East side of the lake. Hop on the next boat and pay at the counter on the East Dock.
Our tour included a round-trip shuttle boat ticket. It was a nice ride with gorgeous views of the mountains. Once docked at the other side, it is about a 1-mile hike up to Hidden Falls. It was a great hike, and due to time constraints, we decided to come back on a different day and do a much longer hike. Here are some of the views we saw on the hike up to and back from Hidden Falls.
Drive up to Signal Mountain
From Jenny Lake, we drove to the top of Signal Mountain. Signal Mountain Road is a five-mile, 1,000-foot climb of switchbacks to an observation area at the top of Signal Mountain. At the top, we were treated with a view of Teton Valley, Jackson Lake, and the Teton Mountains. The wildflowers were pretty amazing as well.
Lunch at Colter Bay
After an entire morning and early afternoon of activities, stop at Colter Bay for a bathroom break and lunch. Nestled along the banks of Jackson Lake, this is a great place to take a rest. There are picnic benches to sit and eat a packed lunch. Or there are a couple of different restaurants in which to grab a bite to eat. The view alone is worth the stop.
Snake River Overlook
The views from the Snake River are just stunning, especially from the overlook. If you are not too tired from the day, I highly recommend a float ride down the river. It makes for a perfect ending to a perfect day. However, if you have more than one day in Grand Teton as we did, I would save this for later.
As you can see, Grand Teton National Park has so much to offer. For those planning multiple days in this park, check back for my next post, where I explore two and three-day itineraries in Grand Teton National Park.
Until next time, happy adventuring!
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.
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I love to read. I always have and, at times, can’t get enough of it. After hours of reading for class, I would curl up with a good book to relax, even in law school. Once I had kids, my reading slowed down a bit. I could no longer read at the beach or in my back yard when the boys were running all over the place. I was so tired at night; I would fall asleep 3-4 pages into the book. I also found my attention span was not there. I would be reading, and my mind would drift to all the other things I should be doing. Or I would easily become distracted by something, anything. I could go months without reading a book. Then I discovered Audible.
Per their website, “Audible is an online audiobook and podcast platform owned by Amazon.com Inc. The service allows users to purchase and stream audiobooks and other forms of spoken word content; this content can be purchased individually or under a subscription model where the user receives “credits” that can be spent on content monthly, and receive access to a curated on-demand library of content. Audible is the United States’ largest audiobook producer and retailer.”
Audible has been a game-changer for me. A friend introduced me to the streaming service about three years ago. I started to listen to audiobooks on my commute to and from the office. It was a great way to decompress before arriving home for the night. It was a game-changer when training for my 1st marathon back in 2017. A 20-mile training run in December was a bit more manageable when listening to a James Patterson novel. It allowed me to reacquaint myself with many of my favorite authors. I love using this app so much I listen when cooking, cleaning my house, at the grocery store, and more. Since 2017, I have read 104 books on Audible.
How does it work?
Audible has two memberships. There is their monthly membership, Audible Plus. It includes access to unlimited streaming and listening from the Audible Plus Catalog. The second membership is Audible Premium Plus. This includes everything in Audible Plus, with the bonus of 1 credit per month to be used to redeem any title from our Premium selections. Also included in this membership is a 30% discount for any additional content you purchase from the Premium catalog. I have the Premium Plus membership and pay $14.95 a month. In addition, Audible offers additional credits, three at a time, for $35.88. That is $11.96 per credit. New releases are often much more expensive than $11.96. I have taken advantage of this many times over the years.
Is this the only way I enjoy my books? No! I still read books, whether it be on my Nook or a physical book. I make sure I switch between the two during the week. It is essential for brain health to read the written word. Audible has enabled me to embark on my second reading challenge. In 2019 I challenged myself to read/listen to 25 books. I read 32. This year I have set a goal of 50 books. I have read 38. With 12.5 half weeks left in the year, I have plenty of time to reach my goal. A few of my favorite authors have or will be releasing books this month. Half of them I pre-ordered on Audible and half on them on my Nook.
- Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
- Didn’t See That Coming by Rachel Hollis
- A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
- The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly
It is going to be a fun few months reading all my favorites.
Whar are you currently reading?
As we all know, 2020 has been a mess. There are cancellations galore, ranging from birthday parties, graduations, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and more. Up until recently, in some parts of our country, we could not eat inside a restaurant. This past spring, my son graduated high school, and it was nothing like we have imagined. This fall, his campus is not opening, and he will be attending classes from home. It is all a cluster! It has been stressful, and I have needed an outlet. That outlet is running.
Running is what has gotten me through the hard times. There is nothing more satisfying than completing a training plan and celebrating with a race. A race, hmmm… there certainly has not been a lot of those in the past six months.
Like most other things in my life in 2020, road races have been canceled. My race weekends in Disney World were canceled, as have two local 10ks, three local half marathons, and a half marathon in Vancouver, BC. I know I am not the only one. A lot of my friends are runners and are experiencing the same disappointment. So what do we do now? Call it a day, sit on the couch, and eat cookies? NO! We are runners. We figure it out. Here are four suggestions to get us through these challenging times.
Rediscover your Love of Running
Training is hard. Always training for a race is even more challenging. There is no downtime, and it is day after day of speedwork, drills, hill repeats, intervals, and the long run. Sometimes the love of running disappears in the midst of it all. However, with no races on the horizon, you can take a day, a week, or even a month to run just because you want to and not because you have to check off a box in a training plan. To me, this has been the best part. I am running more now because I love it, and it makes me feel good. These days it is more of I want to run than I have to run.
Do Something that will Improve your Running
Often when I am deep into a training program, other forms of exercise fall by the wayside. I skip out on my strength training. Yoga?? What is that? This is the perfect time to incorporate these things into your routine. Instead of an hour-long run, run 30 mins and then complete 30 mins of strength training. I promise, once you see the benefits of strength training, you will never exclude it from your training plan again.
Try Something New
Perhaps with all the cancellations, the motivation to run is not there. That is okay. Take this opportunity to try something new. I started shadow boxing and loved it.
Challenge Yourself
The race is the reward for a long training cycle. Without that, many people might not see the point in continuing with their training. Instead of throwing that training plan out the window, why not continue and see what goals you can crush despite not having the reward at the end.
Remember, though it may seem like it, this is not forever. Eventually, the virus will pass, and races will resume once again. Until then, eat healthily, move 30 mins a day, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep.
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?
Chatham is a seaside town located on Cape Cod, MA. Once you cross over the Cape Cod Canal, it is about a 45-minute drive.
Chatham is one of the more upscale towns on the Cape. It has historically been known as a fishing community. In the summertime, the population soars to 30,000, but in the winter, most homes are empty. Are you looking to buy a second home in Chatham? The average price of a home is 1.3 million dollars.
As I mentioned, Chatham is located on the elbow part of the Cape. The town includes two narrow strips of land, which serve as a barrier between the Atlantic and the mainland. There are several islands, including Monomoy, a 7.25-mile-long island south of the corner of the town, home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
With six major saltwater beaches, Chatham is a great place to come for the day or take a week-long vacation. There are many cottages or houses to rent in the summer. If you want to pamper yourself, the Chatham Bars Inn is a beautiful place to stay. It is known as the Cape’s Premier Resort and Spa. Rooms start at over $1,000 a night in the summer, so be prepared to pay for such luxury. You have your choice of staying in the main inn, a cottage, or a spa suite. There is a beach, pool, cabanas, and plenty of dining. It offers activities such as boating and tennis. Oh, and don’t forget the spa. For more information, click over to their website.
We did not stay at the inn or even in Chatham. My family and I rented a couple of houses in nearby Dennis Port. However, we took a few day trips to explore.
Seal Watching
Our vacation started with a boat ride to see Chatham’s most famous residents, seals! I recommend Monomoy Island Excursions out of Harwich Port, MA. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, and it takes you through Wychmere Harbor in Harwich Port, down to Stage Harbor in Chatham and through narrow channels. The final destination is Monomoy Island, a barrier island off the coast of Chatham. Here we found the seals swimming and sunning themselves. A naturalist narrates each tour. This was our second time going on a seal watch, and we were not disappointed.
As we approached Chatham, we learned the history of the area.
Stage Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1880 and one of the youngest lighthouses on the Cape. It was built at the entrance of Stage Harbor to assist the Chatham Lighthouse light the way for sailors as this area is known for being one of the foggiest on the east coast. Fifty-three years later, the lighthouse was decommissioned and is now a private home. Though I don’t think I would want to stay in it any time soon. To this day, it has no running water or electricity. One must use an outhouse if nature calls.
As can see, if you are lucky enough to have a boat, you can head out to the sandbars and spend your beach day there. However, please do not swim with the seals. They may look cute and cuddly, but they are not. Plus, you never know what is lurking behind them. The Cape has seen an increase in shark activity in recent years due to our large seal population. If you happen to be swimming with the seals, the seals will use you as a human shield and push you toward the sharks!
Chatham’s Fishing Pier
Not in the mood for a boat ride? Head down to the fishing pier and see what the catch of the day was (literally) and check out all the seals there.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
My youngest son has taken up birdwatching. We have a couple of bird feeders in our yard that attract all sorts of birds. He was excited to see what we may find down the Cape.
The Monomoy Wildlife Refuge was established in 1944 to provide habitat for migratory birds. The Refuge Headquarters is located on a 40-acre unit on Morris Island and consists of a visitor center, beach, and trail system. It was sweltering and humid on the day we went, but we managed to walk one of the trails. The visitor’s center was closed due to the virus, but we downloaded a map from the website and set off. Next time we plan on staying longer and walking out to the Monomoy Lighthouse.
It is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon.
Chatham Lighthouse
The Chatham Lighthouse is an American icon. Pre-COVID the lighthouse was open a few hours each week in the summer for visitors. Unfortunately, I was only able to grab a photo. It is one of 16 lighthouses remaining on the Cape. Cape Cod shore is rugged and has not made it easy for ships to come in. It is has been said that over 3500 vessels have been wrecked along the Cape’s coast. The lighthouse has a fascinating history, and I encourage you to read more here. Oh, and a fun fact, it is now home to the US Coast Guard.
In addition to what we did, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit in Chatham. Whether you are here for a day or a week, you will find something for everyone.
This past February, the family and I went on a four day Disney Cruise to the Bahamas and then spent three nights at Walt Disney World so I could run the Princess Races. We took this opportunity to visit the newest Disney resort and restaurant.
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019. It is located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Caribbean Beach Resort is right next door and is served by the Disney Skyliner gondola system. It is a Disney Vacation Club Resort with a French and Italian Riviera theme. It is gorgeous. I had plans to stay there in April, but a little old virus ruined that. We plan to head down in October so that I will be doing a full review of the resort at that time. Today I want to talk about Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s newest restaurant located at the top of the Riviera Resort.
Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera serves both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is a character meal with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. Dinner is a bit more upscale. It is a signature dining experience with an Italian and French flair. With the terrace right outside, it is a beautiful place to dine and then watch the fireworks. I have reservations in November for dinner. Right now though, I want to discuss breakfast.
Most character meals we attend for the atmosphere and character meet and greets. The food is okay, and some places are better than others. However, breakfast at Topolino’s was delicious! By far, it was one of the best meals we have had on property in a while. And the characters were adorable!
I forgot to take a photo of the menu, but you can see it here at the Disney Food Blog. To start, we had French Press coffee, chocolate milk, juice, and I had one of their signature cocktails to celebrate my first race of the weekend.
I had a floral mimosa made with elderflower. It was delicious. While everyone was looking at the menu, an assortment of pastries was delivered to the table.
There were seasonal danish, croissants, chocolate chip muffins, Epi-bread, honey butter, jam, and chocolate hazelnut spread. Everything was yummy, and with two growing boys, we polished off two of these.
The menu has nine entrees, ranging from a fruit platter, eggs, quiche, smoked salmon, steak, and more. Of course, for the kids or the picky adults, there are always pancakes or Mickey waffles.
I had a Sour Cream Waffle. It had Roasted Apple, Chantilly, Orange-Maple Syrup, and served with choice of Smoked Bacon, Ham, Sausage, or Plant-based Sausage. It was delicious.
Bill had eggs and bacon. The boys had pancakes.
As we were eating, the characters made their way around to the tables. The characters are dressed as artists from the Riviera.
The service, the character interactions, and the food were excellent. If you are looking for more gourmet breakfast, Topolino’s Terrace is the place. Just beware, you will pay the price. Breakfast is $42.00 per adult and $27.00 per child (ages 2-9).
Oh, and before I forget, check out the view from the terrace! I am looking forward to having drinks here on my next trip.
Wasn’t it just May? Where did June go? It came and went so fast; I did not have a chance to post about my goals or do my monthly check-in. Many of you have commented that you find these helpful and motivating, so I apologize for not posting.
I am going to do something a bit different this month. Instead of individual goals for July and August, I will combine the two and set my goals for summer. These two months go by so fast, and it makes sense to combine them.
Below is what I committed to in May and how I did.
Blog
I will build on what I did or did no do in April. Moving forward, I think four blog posts a month will be the norm. I will chip away at my courses and will try to do ONE session of SEO a month. I am not letting go of this goal; I am trying to make it attainable.- My approach worked. By breaking down the SEO goal even further, I was able to stay on track.
Personal
- I will build off my 2.5lb weight loss and aim for 2-5lbs this month.-I am down 7lbs!
- Continue to move my body 30 mins a day.-DONE
- All my summer races were canceled, but I plan to run them virtually.-3 virtual races were done and more to come.
- Research vacation options for summer to replace our canceled Canadian Rockies trip.-Two new vacations planned.
Household
- Purge Nicholas’s room.-Done
- Begin the basement (scrapbook room) project.-NOPE
- Clean out my garden boxes and start my veggie garden.-DONE
Wow, not bad! I would say May was a huge success! Except for the scrapbook room, I did everything I set out to accomplish. I think the scrapbook room project will wait until the winter months. With the beautiful weather here, I plan to be outside as much as possible.
Goals for July & August
Blog
Continue to grow my social media accounts, new course work 2-3 times a week, including SEO content and 8 new blog posts.
Time Management
Implement a new weekday schedule. I am going to start time blocking. Time blocking is a type of time management that has you divide your day into blocks of time. Each block is dedicated to accomplishing a specific task.
Personal
- Finish my 2019 scrapbooks.- This will be a heavy lift, but I am determined!
- Read 6 books.
- Explore 6-10 state parks in Massachusetts.
- Get back to date night.
- Spend more time outside.
Health & Fitness
- Build off the 7lbs loss and lose another 10lbs.
- Minimum of 10,000 steps a day.
- Consistently strength train.
- Continue training for fall races.
I am keeping it simple. I want to enjoy the summer and will hold off on the bigger household projects until the colder weather.
How about you? What are your summer goals?
