Massachusetts

We took our time getting out of Massachusetts, staying with friends on the way and seeing some cool stuff around the central and western parts of the state.

-Amanda

WPI:

We were excited to go to Worcester, MA to see friends and to visit Taras’s alma mater, WPI. We were able to get a look at the college’s soon-to-open athletic center.  Taras was a swimmer throughout college and continues to help out with the team, so he was really excited to see the new pool – it was mind blowing! Later, Taras walked me around campus and we were able to find the brick his parents bought him for graduation.

Worcester Art Museum:

While in Worcester we took advantage of Bank of America’s Museums on Us program and checked out the Worcester Art Museum for free.  Taras had always heard great things about the museum but never went (I guess there are bigger “priorities” during college!). We really enjoyed going through all the collections – featuring European, American, Asian, and Greek arts - and easily could have spent more than the hour or two we gave ourselves. I personally would have loved more time to appreciate Carrie Moyer’s work. (Psst: the orange piece above was drawn on-site!)

Roadside dandelions (hubs picked the bouquet for me!):

Quabbin Reservoir:

We left Worcester and headed to western Mass.  Our friends suggested that on our way to their place we check out the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, MA.  We obliged and did a little wiki reading on our way – we shamefully had no idea that this reservoir is the primary water supplier to Boston. This man-made reservoir was created in the 1930s and holds up to 412 billion gallons of water, and the water covers 39 square miles. What interested us the most was that, in order for the Swift River Valley to be flooded, four towns had to be “disincorporated,” which is just a polite way of saying the towns were completely relocated – homes, businesses, cemeteries, and even a highway.  There is a lot to do on the 181 miles of shoreline: lookout points (the reservoir is beautiful and peaceful), hiking, bicycling, shoreline fishing, and more. And the visitors center is good for a quirky look around!

Mount Sugarloaf:

Our friends took us on a quick hike before dinner, to Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield, MA.  It was an easy hike to the 652 foot summit and the views of the river and valley from the top were stunning, especially as the sun was starting to set. If you’re not a hiker, you can drive to the top, then picnic and take in the view.

Eat and Drink:

Western Mass has its share of good breweries – our friends treated us to some delicious beer at The People’s Pint and later an amazing dinner at the Blue Heron. Thanks again!

Seeing friends and discovering new things in Mass was a great way to start off the trip!

Guest Post | Natalie Kurtzman

Today we have Natalie, a fellow Bostonian, from wishful nals (you can find her at The Boston Day Book, as well!).  I was so excited to come across Natalie's blog a few months ago and see her take on life in Boston.  She's another lady with beautiful, dreamy photos - and she sure does fit in her share of traveling!

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Along the coastal line of southern New England, there lies a little piece of heaven known as the FarmCoast. It combines my two favorite things: farms and wide open spaces with the coast and pebble beaches. Its grass is lush and green, its artists and wildlife are aplenty. Only an hour or so away from Boston, the FarmCoast region provides such a haven from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.

What I love most about the FarmCoast is the quintessential New England vibe. I love wine tasting at Sakonnet Vineyards, visiting the local shops and artisans in Tiverton's Four Corners, and watching the tide and oysters come to shore in Little Compton, Rhode Island. This little community is such a hidden gem - and perfect for a much needed reflective day, away from it all.

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Natalie, we cannot thank you enough for this beautiful look into New England's FarmCoast.  We will absolutely have to stop in the area on our way back to Boston!

Also, welcome to all our new friends and thanks for your sweet comments!  For more up-to-date happenings of our travels, be sure to follow us on facebook, Instagram, and twitter!

Westport Island on Dwellable

Newport, RI

Newport, RI is one of our favorite New England cities. We are suckers for cute, historic downtowns and boats; Newport has no shortage of either. You can easily make a day of walking the harbor and ogling the many yachts, then grabbing food and drinks on the waterfront, followed by shopping around downtown. If you're up for it, an afternoon vineyard tasting is always a good idea (stick with the whites). If you're more of a beach person, I hear they have great beaches. And don't forget the mansions.  Oh, and the food. So, basically, this city has everything!

-Amanda

Mansions | Newport, RI

I believe that Newport, RI is a place every girly-girl should visit. Besides how charming the town is, there are mansions.  Many, many mansions.  Mansions that you can walk through and see all of the period chandeliers, furniture, and art that your eyes can handle. And don't forget the intricate statues on the sprawling mansion grounds.  Don't mind if I do sit in the grass and dream about mansion life... the parties... the clothes...

Newport, RI was the social capital of the nation during the Gilded Age (1865-1914) and the wealthiest Americans summered there. The Vanderbilts, Astors, and Wideners are the families known for the largest summer houses (known back then as cottages). The Breakers is the most famous mansion of them all. It was the Vanderbilt summer home and is believed to be one of the nation's greatest Gilded Age landmarks. More mansion facts and pictures here. It's worth a peek to see some interior shots; cameras were not allowed inside the mansions we visited.

-Amanda

The cherry on top? Newport's Cliff Walk is a public access walkway that allows you to take in the beauty of the shoreline and the Gilded Age mansions.  A perfect sunset stroll, yes?

 

Newport on Dwellable

Helicopter Ride | Newport, RI

 
A while back, BuyWithMe had a deal we couldn't ignore: a discounted helicopter ride around Newport, RI.  The company gave us a choice of an island or a mansion tour. We opted for the island tour since we had already seen the mansions up close.  This was a good choice, as we flew over a few mansions on the way back to the airport, anyway.

The tour was rather epic.  We flew over lighthouses, saw tons of boats floating in the water, and enjoyed the gorgeous landscapes.  It was the first time either of us had been in a helicopter - exhilarating, for sure! Although, we were a bit shocked (ahem, I was nervous) to see how teeny-tiny the 'copter was.  Oh, and I couldn't figure out how to talk into the headphones, haha!

-Amanda

Food and Drink | Newport, RI

It will become quickly evident on this blog that we love food.  Good food makes our world go 'round. We've had the opportunity to try out a few places around Newport, and here's a little rundown.

Above is a beautiful latte from empire tea & coffee.  The atmosphere is super laid back and the red exterior just draws you into the place.  We even left with a bag of ground coffee to enjoy at home!

We hit up Perro Salado one night for dinner.  Everyone on Yelp raved about their cucumber jalepeno margaritas and they did not disappoint (one of my favorite margs to date).  The restaurant is set inside an old home and the decor plays into the setting with a mix a quirky and homey touches.  We were there on an evening with perfect weather and managed to snag an outdoor table.  Rainbow lights strung around a giant tree and brightly colored candles scattered throughout the patio?  Yes, please!

-Amanda

We came across Salvation Restaurant + Bar and grabbed a quick drink at their bar.  I was drawn in by their decor, bright and perfectly mis-matched (more photos here). I think we had beer, so nothing to report on their drink and food, but we hope to make it back to test out the grub.

We have no pictures to show for it, but lunch at a waterfront restaurant is particularly enjoyable and allows for unlimited boat-gawking. On one our of next trips we'll be sure to grab a drink at the nation's oldest tavern, White Horse Tavern.