New England Aquarium

colorful fish at at New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

(Boston, Massachusetts)

As soon as you walk through the doors of the New England Aquarium, you leave the busy streets of Boston and are transported to a world under the sea. Beneath the dim lights you are surrounded by the calls of penguins and the shadows of the large fish swimming in the center tank.

Our favorite animals live outside of the aquarium and even if you choose not to go in, take some time to visit with the adorable Atlantic harbor seals.  They are seriously the cutest little guys and they are so curious that they come right up to the tank to peek at you.  Look at this sweet face!

harbor seal at New England Aquarium

Now let me show you around the aquarium.

(more…)

Review of the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel

sunset of Boston skyline

Nine Zero Hotel

(Boston, Massachusetts)

One of the things my daughters and I love to do is see a good show.  My daughter’s latest favorite, Hadestown, finally came to Boston and we HAD to go.  As soon as we bought tickets, I knew there was only one hotel I wanted to stay at…the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel! This hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston.  I love boutique hotels and the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel is quaint and welcoming.

Click here to read all about our stay…

House of Seven Gables

House of Seven Gables

Salem, Massachusetts

If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you.  This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject.  Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t.  It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

House of Seven Gables

What do you see during your visit?

Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:

Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.

(more…)

A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

(more…)

Jolie Tea Company

Jolie Tea Company

You know I love a good cup of tea!  I had the pleasure of going to Jolie Tea Company in Salem, Massachusetts, and it was so great I had to tell you all about it.  Because I really wanted the full experience, I didn’t just go for a cup of tea, I did a High Tea!

After I was seated, I had to take a minute to take in the beauty of the room.  The room has seating waiting for guests. I love the pink light that showcases the wall of teas. Good luck trying to buy just one.

Look at how lovely each place setting is! I love the porcelain tea cup and plate.  The gerbera daisy is a fun touch!

I was pleasantly surprised that they bring out a hibiscus iced tea to enjoy while you look over the high tea menu.

(more…)

Smolak Farm

Smolak Farm

North Andover, MA

Smolak Farms is a working farm that combines agriculture, education, and entertainment in a unique way!

(more…)

Hammond Castle: Explore a Castle on the Coast of Gloucester

When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit.  Let me show you around…

IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE

Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.

It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.

(more…)

Liberty Hotel, Boston…Don’t Bail Me Out

Photo credit: Liberty Hotel

Who would have guessed that prison could be so romantic?  The Liberty Hotel is housed in the exact building of the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark. Completed in 1851, this jail once house some of Boston’s most historic inmates, and now you can call it home for the night. It has a nice blend of  high-style luxury and hometown warmth. Trust me…you won’t be asking anyone to bail you out!

Read all about our stay!

Residence Inn Tudor Wharf

Photo credit: Residence Inn Boston Harbor

My girls have a new obsession…Dear Evan Hanson…so we were thrilled when it came to Boston. As I started looking for a hotel, I knew I wanted to use my Marriott points and the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf stood out because it is an all-suite hotel. The 167 suite hotel is located right on the St. Charles River and has stunning views of the Boston Harbor.   

Read all about our fun stay...

Old Town Trolley: Hop-On Hop-Off your Way Through Boston

You know how I feel about driving in Boston… I’m such a chicken!  There are times I want to do different things around the city but I can only drive to the aquarium and the science museum (lol)! I then end up taking cabs so I don’t get to stop as much as I want.  Well I’ve found the perfect solution! For my birthday, the girls and I spent a perfect day in Boston on the Old Town Trolley Tour.  This hop-on hop-off bus allows you to get off at a stop when something strikes you or stay on the bus and continue hearing more historic commentary. It’s an amazing way to see Boston!

Here are some fun things you can do on this 15-stop tour:

STOP 1: We started our tour in front of the New England Aquarium (which is great since I can actually drive here and park…lol).  It’s a beautiful place to see the waterfront!

(more…)