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…)

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…)

Boston Museum of Fine Art: Mummies, Monet, and More

When you think of a fine arts museum you may imagine boring halls filled with old portraits, security shushing people, and bored children trailing behind their parents.  This is not the case at the Boston Fine Arts Museum. Not only do they have hundreds of famous paintings, they also have mummies, statues, jewelry, and weapons that will capture anyone’s attention.  The Boston Museum of Fine Art, with more than 450,000 works of art, is difficult to see in one day, but with a little planning, you can see it all.  The museum is separated into different wings such as Art of Ancient World, Art of Asia, Oceania and Africa, And Contemporary Art. Let me take you around to see our favorite areas of the museum:

Your experience of the MFA begins before you even walk inside.  The museum has some really unique pieces of art right outside.  These doll heads are my daughters’ favorites! 

I personally love Indian Hunter (Paul Manship, 2002) as the hunter and Pronghorn Antelope (and Paul Manship, 2002) as his prey.

(more…)

Emerson Inn, Rockport, MA

What was going to be a mother/daughter overnight trip to Rockport turned out to be a solo trip because of sports and field trips. As much as I would have loved their company, it’s also nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge before the end of the school year.  I can’t think of a better place to spend some quality “Me Time,” than the historic oceanfront Emerson Inn, in Rockport, Massachusetts.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY!

Studio Allston, Boston

With so many hotels to choose from in Boston, it’s often hard to decide where to stay. The other night we had the pleasure of staying at Studio Allston and it was the most colorful hotel we’ve ever stayed at.  The artistic vibe is played out throughout the hotel and your eyes are drawn from one spot to the next.  It was the perfect location to escape the noise of the city, is only 15 minutes from downtown Boston, and is a short walk to Harvard.  It was so easy to drive here…and that’s coming from someone who usually would rather have a root canal than drive in a city!

Click HERE to read all about our stay!