Travel Archives - Masshole Mommy

The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour is a Must-Do in Boston

Jul 242017

In a city nearly four hundred years old – troubled with war, murderers, strife and the occasional bout of stray molasses, it is hardly any wonder that Boston remains one of the most haunted cities in America and stories of the glory days of Colonial Boston only scratch the surface of Boston’s darker side. Boston has found itself plagued with some of history’s most nefarious figures – The Boston Strangler, Jolly Jane, Dr. John Webster, Cotton Mather, amongst a slew of other assorted characters. If you want to hear all about Boston’s dark history, the Ghost & Gravestones Tour is the place to hear about all of it.

Explore Boston’s most chilling murder sites, haunted places and spend time with the dead on the Ghosts & Gravestones tour.

I took this fun trolley tour in Boston a few years ago with my husband, but I recently had a chance to take it again with him, my sister and brother in law. Our tour guide was Ashton Burns and we really enjoyed the stories that he told us. Ashton was not only just great a storyteller, but he was also well-informed and ready to answer any questions asked of him. There were a few tours out that night and all of the guides are dressed up AND in character! As I mentioned, Ashton was our guide and sadly, all of the pictures I took of him came out blurry, but he was great and really authentic. The other guide out that night was Betty and our group met up with their group in one of the cemeteries we visited. Continue reading »

Old Town Trolley Tours are the Best Way to See Boston {And a Free Printable Scavenger Hunt}

Jul 172017

It is no secret that I am a proud Bostonian. I have lived in the area all my life and love being from this part of the country. There is so much to see and do in Boston and sometimes I like to pay tourist in my own city. When I want to see the sights in Boston, I take the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour in Boston.

If you're planning on visiting Boston, spend a day on the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour. It's hop on/hop off and brings you to over 100 Boston attractions.

The Hop On Hop Off Boston Tour covers all the major areas of the city including Downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Theater District, and the Waterfront District. On the trolley, the fun conductors narrate the tour with a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. My husband and I took the trolley tour on a rainy day a couple of weeks back. Since we’re local, we decided to stay on for the whole tour and I am so glad we did. Lucia was our tour guide/driver and she was wonderful. She is a life-long Bostonian and she was full of stories and trivia about Boston. Continue reading »

Summer Fun at Davis Farmland

Jul 102017

For a fun summer outing with the family, visit Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA

Located in Sterling, MA, Davis’ Farmland is super fun farm experience for families with children under 12. Davis Farmland has over 100 breeds of animals that can be petted and cuddled with as well as North America’s largest sanctuary of endangered farm animals. They don’t just have animals at Davis Farmland, they have several playgrounds, hay & pony rides and an awesome splash park, too. There is tons of summer fun at Davis Farmland!

For a fun summer outing with the family, visit Davis Farmland in Sterling, MA

There is so much summer fun at Davis Farmland

My boys were both really excited to spend the day at Davis Farmland – especially once I told them there was a splash park there. It was a hot day in July and they were happy about there being a way to cool off. We actually brought cousin Jonah, who was visiting with his dad, Uncle Keith, from San Diego with us for the day. All three of the boys had a blast exploring everything at Davis Farmland. Continue reading »

17 Free & Cheap Things to Do with Kids This Summer in New England

Jul 052017

Inexpensive things that you can do with your kids this summer in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or New Hampshire!

Entertaining kids ALL SUMMER LONG can be exhausting and expensive. Let me save you the time thinking about what to do…Here are 17 free & cheap things to do with kids this summer in New England.

1. Unplug with good old fashioned outdoor activities at the Great Glen Trails. Located at the base of Mount Washington, families can bike, kayak, picnic, and see some spectacular wildlife. Rent equipment or bring your own.

2. Water park admission can really add up, so instead, take the kids to any number of community pools and splash pads your city has to offer.

3. Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, where kids can explore caves, learn about dinosaurs, and get hands-on experience in the air conditioning all day for only $10!

Where to Eat in New London, Connecticut

Jun 122017

New London is an up and coming town in coastal Connecticut. I’ve driven through it a million times, but never got off the highway to explore all that it had to offer – until recently. My husband and I spent a weekend in the area and were super impressed by all the great food we ate in New London. There are lots of great places to eat in New London, but here are some of the places we loved eating at and highly recommend checking out:

Have Breakfast at Breakfast at Muddy Waters

Whether you want a cup of strong locally roasted coffee, a chai latte, or a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and a banana, Muddy Waters makes sure you start your morning off right. Pick up a paper or catch the local gossip. Baristas whip up a full menu of coffee beverages while you drool over the pastries and cookies in the display cases. Lunch offerings include sandwiches, grinders, tomato soup, and the famous “Love and Lust” salads. Enjoy the deck overlooking the river or relax in Muddy Waters’ comfortable, eclectically furnished interior. Continue reading »

5 Fun Things To Do in New London, Connecticut

Jun 112017

Having grown up in nearby Massachusetts, as an adult I am just starting to learn that the state of Connecticut is full of all sorts of hidden treasures. There are so many cute little towns with many sights to see and I want to see as many of them as I can. One of my recent discoveries in Connecticut is New London. It’s great waterfront town that’s over 350 years old!

New London, CT is full of art, music, culture, one-of-a-kind boutiques and more than 30 eateries, all which make it a wonderful vacation destination! Here are five things not to miss on your trip to New London. Continue reading »

A Weekend at The Inn at Mystic + Harbour House Restaurant

Jun 042017

The Inn at Mystic in Mystic, Connecticut sits high up on a hill overlooking Fishers Island Sound and Mystic Harbor. Once a private estate, the Inn at Mystic now consists of a hotel, restaurant, mansion, and full service banquet operations. They’ve been welcoming guests for over fifty years and with relaxing accommodations including rooms with ocean views, Jacuzzis, and wood burning fireplaces – it’s no wonder.

Stay in comfort at the Inn at Mystic

The Inn at Mystic consists of three unique lodging choices: the Main Building, the East Wing, or the Haley Mansion. The Main Building and East Wing are centrally located on the property with 52 rooms decorated in a nautical style that fits in perfectly with the surroundings, all with modern amenities and private baths.

Water Parks in Massachusetts

May 302017

water slides in New England

If you are wanting to stop by one of the most popular water parks in Massachusetts (or southern New Hampshire this season), then check out this list below! This is a list of the top places you will want to add to your travels this summer! No matter which park you pick, I am sure you and your family will have lots of fun!

Enjoy inflatable rides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and amusement rides and more. This is a great way to find fun things to do near you, or plan a trip for you and your family. Beat the summer heat this year at one of these fun water parks or amusement parks listed below. Make this summer filled with fun memories.

Water Parks in Massachusetts

Water Wizz (Wareham, MA): Southern New England’s largest water park! Mussel Beach is a huge wave pool that is very popular. If you like to live on the edge try the Squid Row, it’s a tube ride, with high speeds. Or if you want to go with little kids, they do have a family pool area as well. Thrilling slides, tubes and cabanas to relax in, this water park has something for everyone.

Nelson Park Splash Pad (Plymouth, MA): Located inside Nelson Memorial Park on Nelson Street in Plymouth, this is a popular place for kids to cool off in the summer. In addition to a free splash pad, there is a playground, beach area and plenty of room for a picnic lunch here. Parking is free, but I highly recommend getting there early because the lot fills up fast. For a day full of free fun, stop by the Nelson Park Splash Pad this summer. Continue reading »

Why You Should Visit Heritage Museums and Gardens (formerly Heritage Plantation) in Sandwich, MA

Apr 242017

Daffodils at Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich

If you’re heading to Cape Cod and you’re looking for a great way to spend the day, you should definitely consider visiting Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. I spent a good part of my childhood in Sandwich because my aunt and uncle used to rent a beach cottage on North Shore Blvd from a friend of theirs every summer. I fondly remember visiting the Heritage Plantation (what it was called back then) with my grandmother and aunt. These days it’s called the Heritage Museums & Gardens and it’s just as wonderful as I remember it being when I was younger.

More than 100,000 people visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens annually to spend time in the three gallery buildings that house special and permanent exhibitions, peruse the gardens, play in Hidden Hollow and more. There is so much to see and do at the Heritage Museums & Gardens and it is safe to say that is something for everyone there. Continue reading »

Stay at the Cathedral Ledge Resort in North Conway, NH

Mar 292017

The Mount Washington Valley area of New Hampshire is one of my favorite parts of the state to visit. Made up of eight villages, it is almost like taking a step back in time when you visit the area. In the heart of Mt. Washington Valley, you’ll undoubtedly end up in North Conway and once you visit, you will definitely want to stay. Cathedral Ledge Resort is located in North Conway, New Hampshire, is just a little over two hours from Boston and if you’re looking for a place to stay in the area – this is it.

There are a couple of options when staying at Cathedral Ledge Resort. You can choose to rent a Bungalow or a Townhouse. My family stayed in a townhouse, but I am going to tell you about both of your options – so that way if you are planning on booking a stay there, you can choose what’s right for your family.

Bungalow: Lovely out of the way cottages sleep six with private driveway, two bedrooms each with private bath & Jacuzzi, plus 1/2 bath in case you have kids set up on the pull-out couch overnight. Full kitchen, washer/dryer, outdoor grill and patio set. Have all the amenities, just a little more quiet. Continue reading »

Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain

Mar 282017

Did you know that Cranmore Mountain was named #1 in New Hampshire for Off-Hill Activities by Ski Magazine?

My family recently stayed in the North Conway, New Hampshire area and going snow tubing was high up on our list of things we wanted to do while we were there. We’re not big skiers, but we definitely wanted to make some time to play in the snow. That’s why we all love snow tubing: tubing is a family friendly activity that requires no special skills or equipment. Continue reading »

Hidden Gems in Washington DC

Mar 222017

There are tons of obvious things for travelers and tourists to do in Washington DC. They will be wonderful and exciting and they will also be packed full of tourists and kind of boring after a trip or two. On your next trip to Washington DC instead of making a beeline to the usual hotspots consider a detour through some of these hidden gems in DC. Sometimes the most fun and interesting experiences in any city are off the beaten path, unknown locations full of potential and stories! Happy Exploring!

Hidden Gems in Washington DC

Secret Singing Gardens
Okay so the gardens don’t actually sing but they do play some awesome music! On your next trip to Washington DC this hidden gem is sure to ignite your inner sense of childlike wonder. Technically it’s called a “soundscape” but the combination of the music being piped through the underwater speakers, bouncing off the outdoor auditorium type seating creates the ultimate in musical experiences. Not only can you experience the awesome audio entertainment of the Lover’s Lane Pool, you can also explore all of the gardens! In spring and summer the gardens are truly magical experience! Check out the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens the next time you are in DC. Continue reading »

The Element Boston Seaport I Boston Staycation Approved

Jan 252017

My family almost always stays close to home during the February vacation. I would be devastated if any travel plans we made got disrupted because of snow, so we definitely prefer staycations. My family and I recently got to experience a stay at the Element Boston Seaport and it’s the perfect location for a Boston staycation. It’s located right in the heart of Boston’s thriving Seaport District and there are tons of family-friendly attractions within walking distance of the hotel. As far as I am concerned that is a big selling point when I am looking for a place to stay with my family.

The Element Boston Seaport was built to be green from the ground up, guestrooms are spacious, stylish, sustainable and designed for comfort, providing guests with space to live their life while away from home.

Looking for something inexpensive to do with your bored children in Rhode Island?

Jan 242017

We have a few school vacations coming up and if your kids are anything like my son, they are always “bored”. The unfortunate thing is that most of us are not independently wealthy, so we sometimes must get creative with finding things to entertain them. Cue the Mr. Potato Head statues located throughout Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the home of Hasbro and Mr. Potato head. In 2000, the state decided that they needed to boost tourism and chose Mr. Potato Head as their “travel ambassador”. The result was a whole lot of 6-foot fiberglass statues (some reports say 37, others say it was closer to 45) decorated buy artists and placed around the state. They were met with mixed reactions and now, 17 years later, there are only a handful left in the state. Rumor has it that there is one in Virginia and a few others are owned privately. One was even for sale on EBay for a mere $5,000, but I digress.

On one of those days where the kids are bored and you need something inexpensive to do, take a Potato Head adventure; the only cost is the price of gas. There is a total of 8 left in RI. A friend and I searched them out over the course of several trips and much research. I have taken all of that away for you. We truly made it an adventure, finding them and taking selfies with each. I have them listed in no particular order. Continue reading »

10 Things to do in Key West

Jan 222017

I recently visited Key West for the first time and I immediately fell in love. Let me start by saying that Key West was not what I expected. I went down there thinking it was going to be a quaint little island like Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, but boy, I could not have been more wrong – in a good way, though. Key West is a a hoppin’ place and my husband, Christian, and I were surprised at first about how much to see and do there was there. We were in Key West over Thanksgiving week and were pleasantly surprised that basically everything was open. We crammed a lot into the time we were there and I wanted to share some highlights with you today.

10 Things to do in Key West

1. Eat some key lime pie. Obviously.
Key lime pie is named after the small Key limes that are grown throughout the Florida Keys, so you can’t go to any of the Keys without having at least one piece of key lime pie. Even if you don’t like key lime pie, you should still have some. I am pretty sure it’s mandatory. Continue reading »

Year Round Seasonal Activities in Boston

Jan 182017

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Boston there are plenty of activities to entertain you during your visit. If you haven’t planned your trip just yet you might want to consider checking out some of these activities before you book! There are seasonal activities in Boston to suit any taste, some are perfect for a family outing while others would make a wonderful date night. I’d be the first to tell you that making more than one trip to Boston so you can take advantage of all these great seasonal activities is a great idea.

Spring
As with most places in the Northeast, Boston is in full bloom during the spring. Nothing says “get out and explore” quite like the crisp spring air. Warm sunny days invite you to get out and enjoy the beauty of springtime in Boston. These are some of the awesome activities you can enjoy during the spring in Boston.

The Boston Marathon: 3rd Monday of April
The Duckling Parade: Mother’s Day
Check out the fresh blooms in the Arnold Arboretum
Hop a ride on the Old Town Trolley
Freedom Trail walking tours will take you past 16 of the most historical sites in Boston
St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a big deal in Boston…in case you didn’t know!
Boston International Film Festival: typically during mid April

Pros and Cons of Staying at a Bed and Breakfast

Jan 092017

One of the great things about modern travel is that there are endless options for accommodations. There are countless choices when deciding where to stay when traveling far and wide. You can stay in a hotel, at a campground, in your RV, at a bed and breakfast, or even in someone else’s home! The variety of and style of overnight accommodations has evolved over time and now there are options to suit everyone. If you are thinking about booking a stay at a bed and breakfast these are the pros and cons. Check them out before you book to see if you’d enjoy this type of stay!

Pros of Staying in a Bed and Breakfast:

Let’s be honest, I don’t always like to start with the positives but let’s mix it up a little today!

Activities:
There are TONS of activities happening in house at most bed and breakfast locations. They schedule fun crafting, cooking, touring, and even little trips. Usually the activity levels at a bed and breakfast will depend on the owner but typically speaking there are lots of things to do when staying in a bed and breakfast. Continue reading »

Learn About the Haunts of Key West on the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

Dec 132016

I am sure lots of people find Key West strange during the day, but after the sun goes down it’s a whole different story. Key West is actually referred to by many as Key Weird. If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know that ghost stories are right up my alley, so Christian and I weren’t leaving Key West without going on a ghost tour. The two of us took the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour when we were in Savannah last year and loved it, so when I saw that there was one in Key West, too, it was a no brainer that we needed to take the tour.

On the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, or as they call it – the trolley of the doomed, we heard several stories that were more than just weird. Our Ghost Host, Benjamin, was awesome. He told us lots of stories about Key West’s dark side. He told tales of deathly love, tragic endings, scores to settle, wrongs to right and ghastly folks. Some of the stories were so strange it was almost hard to believe they are true. Continue reading »

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in NYC

Nov 142016

best-family-friendly-restaurants-in-nyc

Traveling in NYC with your family can be an experience of a lifetime…until it’s time to feed everyone. You can end up spending a small fortune on food that you kids won’t even pretend to enjoy, yet alone eat. Instead of arriving and feeling totally overwhelmed, check out some of these family friendly restaurants in NYC. They’re sure to help you enjoy not just the sights and sounds of the city but also the tastes!

Beacon
25 W. 56th Street
Beacon is awesome because the open fire grill can be viewed from the restaurant, their food is awesome for adults but they also serve kiddie fare (and in a hurry). Little ones can color to their hearts desire while ordering from their own special menu and heads up, kids under 9 eat for FREE. This is all well and good but the best part is that you don’t have to suffer and eat French fries and pizza too. You can have a completely adult meal that you will LOVE while your kids also get to eat something fun, in an awesome location that is interesting and appealing.

Arties Deli
2290 Broadway, Near 83rd Street
Arties Deli is new on the food scene in NYC but it’s great for the family nonetheless. Pickles and bread come out fast and early to keep everyone sated until the meals arrive and they have tons of kid friendly food like fries, burgers, chicken fingers, and hot dogs! Everyone will have fun and be able to relax in this family friendly atmosphere while also getting a meal they will enjoy! Continue reading »

Where to Eat in Bradenton Florida

Nov 042016

where-to-eat-in-bradenton-florida

As you know, I recently spent three wonderful days in Bradenton Florida. It was my first time in the area and while I was there, my days were packed with fun activities and lots of great food.

Full disclosure: I don’t like seafood. I know, I know….

I am one of the few people from New England that doesn’t and when I arrived in the area and saw that my itinerary was full of dining reservations at seafood restaurants, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t be able to find something that I was able to eat. Thankfully, that was not the case at all. The group that I was with dined at three restaurants known for great seafood, but all of them served non-seafood items for people like me. Phew.

Today I want to tell you about some of the highlights at all three of them so that if you are planning a visit to the Bradenton area, you can plan a meal at one of these fantastic eateries.

1. Pier 22

Dining at Pier 22 is truly unique waterfront dining experience. Continue reading »

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