Massachusetts Archives - Masshole Mommy

Best Winter Destinations in New England

Jan 072019

Looking for things to do in New England during the winter time? Here is a list of great destinations to visit during the cold months.

It’s the winter season and you’re probably looking for some fun places to be and things to do out in New England. It’s hard to find some ideas for things to do in the winter time because of how harsh the New England winters can be, and all you want to do is hibernate indoors sometimes. But no matter how long you want to spend outside this season, here are some great winter destinations in New England in case you feel like exploring this snowy time.

Explore some art – New Haven Connecticut
Yale in New Haven Connecticut sounds boring to explore for a snowy day. But a tour of the location can be absolutely stunning and a great pastime! The Yale Center for British Art and Yale University Art Gallery have stunning art to see while you’re exploring. These are considered some of the finest art museums in all of New England, you wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity like that. Continue reading »

Experiencing a Jr. Celtics Gameday Clinic

Dec 262018

If you know my 14 year old in real life, you already know that he’s OBSESSED with The Celtics. My youngest is a basketball fan, too, but JD lives and breathes for The Celts. Just imagine how pumped they were to have been invited back to participate in a Jr. Celtics Gameday Clinic for a 2nd year in a row! You can read all about our experience last year here. We went this past Sunday and I want to tell you all about it.

A Jr. Celtics Gameday Clinic is an unforgettable experience for young basketball fans. Learn what it means to "be a Celtic" on the court of the TD Garden.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Jr. Celtics program, it’s a series of clinics in Boston (at the Garden and the Auerbach Center) that teaches young kids the core values of Boston Celtics Basketball as part of its mission to improve healthy youth development in the Boston community through basketball programs. Programs include Basketball Clinics, Coaches Clinics, Leagues, Tournaments and Summer Camps. Kids learn things like how to improve their skills, how to become a better teammate and to perform like a champion. Jr. Celtics provides opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Continue reading »

King Richard’s Faire 2018

Oct 082018

Hear ye, hear ye! King Richard’s Faire in back in Carvershire (Carver, MA) and the faire is better than ever this year. Spread out over 80 acres of woods, King Richard’s Fairs is the place to be if you want to fully immerse yourself in the 16th century. If you’ve never been to a renaissance festival, it’s definitely not something to be missed. Even if you think it’s not for you, trust me – it is. There is so much experience there and it really is loads of family fun.

If you are looking for a fun and unique experience for your family, head to King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA. It's an experience like no other.

Here’s what you can expect at King Richard’s Faire

Entertainment!

There are eight stages of live entertainment all day, included in your admission price at King Richard’s Faire. In addition to jousting show, you can see fire eating, magic, comedy shows, acrobatic acts and much more. Many of the performers ask for tips (and some might even beg). If you feel inclined, feel free to tip them. If you don’t want to, that’s ok, too. There’s no pressure at all, but in case you didn’t already know this – many of the performers at the faire spend their lives traveling from ren-faire to ren-faire, so they rely on tip money. Just something to keep in mind. Continue reading »

Marshfield Fair 2018

Aug 202018

If you grew up in Southeastern Massachusetts (like me), it’s that time of year again. Time for the Marshfield Fair that is! Growing up, my siblings and I looked forward to the fair returning at the end of every August. The 151st Marshfield Fair is here NOW through August 26th. If you’re local and you’ve never been, you are truly missing out on a fun experience. The fair blends carnival rides, live music, animal demonstrations, a demolition derby and more.

Marshfield-Fair-2018

There really is something for everyone at the Marshfield Fair. While we were there we enjoyed seeing truck pulling, a magic show, a blacksmith demonstration and walking through the petting zoo. Oh, and of course my boys loved riding the rides. There is a lot going on at any given time at the Marshfield Fair and they also have some fun specials coming up. Continue reading »

Free Historic Sites to Visit in Boston

Aug 072018

Here are just three (of many) historically-based sites to visit in Boston. Put on your most comfortable pair of walking shoes and check them out today!

Boston is a fun and interesting place to visit, there’s no doubt about it! This is especially true for history buffs. If you’re in search of free historic sites to visit in the city, you have tons of options to choose from. Here are a few to consider.

Boston Freedom Trail

The Boston Freedom Trail is the red brick walking trail that takes visitors to several themed sites across the city, important during the American Revolution.

Follow the trail to get a look at some of Boston’s most famous spots. This includes Paul Revere’s house, the site of the Boston Massacre, Granary Burial Ground and the Old North Church from which revolutionaries used those infamous lanterns to signal that the British were coming.

There are several (daily) 90-minute walking tours, which take you along the trail. Knowledgeable guides provide information about each site. Or, if you prefer to walk the trail at your own pace, audio players are available from the Freedom Trail Foundation. The players feature stories and information that you don’t get on the guided tour. Continue reading »

Summer Fun at Edaville Family Theme Park

Jul 232018

Growing up, my siblings and I waited all year long until my parents finally said we were going to “Edaville” to see the Christmas lights. It was one of highlights of my childhood and I have so many happy memories of going there year after year with my family. These days it’s known as Edaville Family Theme Park and I am so thankful that I have the chance to take my own kids there so they can have the same wonderful memories of Edaville as I do.

A visit to Edaville Family Theme Park is a fun way to spend the day with your family. Admission includes Thomas Land, Dino Land, all rides & attractions.

But why is it called Edaville? Ellis D. Atwood used his initials (E.D.A) to name the theme park back when it first opened. He started this railroad by purchasing most of the surviving equipment from Maine’s once expansive network of two-foot gauge rail’s and had them trucked south to Carver, Massachusetts – and it is now known as Edaville Railroad. Continue reading »

Planning My Perfect Boston Staycation with TripAdvisor

Jul 172018

Did you know you can book experiences directly through TripAdvisor. I was able to book my perfect Boston Staycation on their site & you can, too!

I almost hate to jinx things, but I am just going to say it. We’ve been having some killer weather here in Boston this summer. It’s been so hot here (the way I like it) and knock on wood, we’ve had very little rain. Last year I feel like it rained for 80% of the month of July, so this nice sunny weather we’ve been having is so nice. With all the gorgeous weather, I decided that I wanted to plan a Boston staycation for my family. Sometimes it’s so fun to play tourist in your own city! I headed over to TripAdvisor because I needed help narrowing down what we should do. There is a lot to do in Boston, but since my boys aren’t always enthusiastic about doing things as they used to be (darn tweens/teens), I had to be sure to choose adventures that would keep everyone happy and entertained.

Did you know you can book experiences directly through TripAdvisor. I was able to book my perfect Boston Staycation on their site & you can, too!

Did you know that you can book activities and experiences directly through TripAdvisor? It’s super convenient to be able to look through all the things they offer to do in the city you’re traveling to, read reviews while you’re there AND book whatever catches your eye – all in one spot. You are going to TripAdvisor to look at the reviews anyways, so why not just book your experiences while you are there on their site. Trust me, it makes life so much easier! Continue reading »

Eat Your Heart Out at Boston Burger Company

Jul 162018

If you live in the Boston area, chances are you’ve heard of the Boston Burger Company. The BBC is well known in the area for their over-the-top burgers, gourmet fries, craft beers and their Freak Frappes. Yes, that says Freak Frappes. They also have apps, sandwiches, and salads, but it is named the Boston BURGER Company, so I think it’s pretty much against the law not to order a burger if you go there to eat. Just sayin’. They serve burgers with names such as porkasaurus, the kitchen sink and the hot mess…I mean, how can you not try one?

If you are in Boston, a visit to the Boston Burger Company is a MUST. Gourmet burgers, Freak Frappes & leveled up fries make this restaurant 1 of the best!

Christian and I had the chance to stop in to the Boston Burger Company for dinner a few weeks ago and because we are both super smart, we started with dessert. I wanted a Freak Frappe in the worst way and I was afraid if I didn’t order my frappe first, I wouldn’t have room for it at the end of my meal. Continue reading »

25 Family Friendly Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard

Jul 032018

There are so many can’t miss things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. This beautiful island location is in Massachusetts just south of Cape Cod and can only access Martha’s Vineyard by boat or air. It features Gothic cottages as well as several ferry ports, depending on which end of the island you venture to. Today I am sharing 25 things to do in Martha’s Vineyard to assist you in planning your vacation itinerary.

There are so many can’t miss things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, a beautiful island in Massachusetts just south of Cape Cod. Here are 25 things to do in Martha’s Vineyard to assist you in planning your vacation to Martha's Vineyard. Continue reading »

Most Haunted Places in New England

Jun 282018

Here are four of the supposedly most haunted locations in New England. There's no reason to wait until Halloween to visit them. The ghosts are waiting.

If you believe in ghosts, chances are you love exploring haunted places. What follows is a short list of the most haunted places in New England. The question is this. Are you brave enough to go exploring?

The Kennebunk Inn (Kennebunk, Maine)

Originally built as a private residence, the Kennebunk Inn opened as a tavern in 1928. It is said to be haunted by Silas Perkins as well as various other apparitions. Perkins, the inn’s former auditor and watchmen, loves to play pranks on guests and employees alike. Most especially in room number 17.

Snedeker Demon House (Southington, Connecticut)

This funeral home turned private residence is the home that inspired the book (and movie) “The Haunting in Connecticut.” It’s where Ed and Lorrain Warren, both paranormal investigators, assisted the Snedeker family of ridding their ghosts in 1986. Continue reading »

25 Things to do in Nantucket

Jun 122018

There is so much history to be enjoyed in Nantucket and I sure hope you’ll think about planning a summer trip to Nantucket soon. To help you start planning your getaway, here are 25 Things to do in Nantucket!

Nantucket houses 10,000 people permanently but is a known getaway for many tourists looking to enjoy vacation with the family. Located about 16 miles from Cape Cod, this Massachusetts location brings much joy to anyone who ventures to Nantucket. Today I am sharing 25 things to do in Nantucket so that you are inspired to travel this summer and enjoy all that Nantucket has to offer.

Weird Roadside Attractions in Massachusetts

Jun 042018

Every state has its share of weird roadside attractions and Massachusetts is no different. When you're in the mood for the unusual, consider the following three options. You'll be glad you did!

Every state has its share of weird roadside attractions. Massachusetts is no different. When you’re in the mood for the unusual, consider the following options. You’ll be glad you did!

Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast (Fall River)
In August of 1892, Fall River residents Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered in their home. Their adult daughter Lizzie was accused of the crime but was acquitted after standing trial. The house remained empty for some time after Lizzie moved away. However, it eventually became a Bed and Breakfast catering to tourists looking for a spooky travel destination.

Today, the house has been restored to reflect its appearance around the time of the gruesome murders, along with crime scene photographs on the walls of each room to show how closely everything has been refurbished.

Guests who aren’t frightened away in the night are treated to breakfast in the morning, resembling the very meal the Borden’s ate on the day of their death. Continue reading »

25 Things to do on Cape Cod

May 292018

Whatever you decide to add to your Cape Cod’s vacation itinerary this summer season, be sure to choose some of these popular locations I shared today. Cape Cod is a great summer vacation family tradition to start now because it’s fun for all ages.

This hook-shaped peninsula located in the state of Massachusetts has been a popular summer destination for many generations. From lighthouses to seafood shacks and the quaint villages, every family member will surely enjoy a vacation to Cape Cod. Located near Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, many travelers enjoy all three locations while in vacationing in this area. Today I’m going to share 25 things to do on Cape Cod so that you can plan your itinerary before heading out to the open sea to visit this beautiful peninsula.

Best Food Trucks in Boston

May 222018

There are so many food trucks in Boston that it's hard to know which one to eat at first. Here are three of the best to help you decide which ones to eat at.

The City of Boston makes it super-easy to patronize your favorite food truck vendors, by providing residents and visitors with a handy Food Truck Schedule. It’s totally worth it to take a look! In the meantime, here are three popular options to consider.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese (http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/)
When Food Network featured Roxy’s Grilled Cheese on “The Great Food Truck Race,” this mobile eatery had already secured it’s claim to fame. One quick look at the menu proves it.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese specializes in giving you the meltiest, cheesiest grilled cheese experience ever! Constructed with a variety of cheeses including Vermont Cheddar, Fontina, Pimento, Swiss and Muenster, these grilled cheese sandwiches are like NO other.
For example, one of the most popular menu items, the “Mighty Rib” consists of a Fontina grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with caramelized onions and barbecue braised beef. In case you’re in the mood to over indulge yourself during your visit, order up a side of Roxy’s amazing hand-cut truffle fries to go with it! Continue reading »

Not Your Grandma’s Ceramics Class

Feb 142018

Are you looking for something fun to do? Try a ceramic class! They are making a comeback and it's perfect for all skill levels.

Are you looking for something fun and creative to do? Look no further. I consider myself a pretty crafty person. I scrapbook and crochet, though I don’t have time to do them now that I am in grad school. The one thing I can make time for is my weekly ceramics class. I know, I know……your grandma or your mom used to take ceramics. People look at it as an old lady thing to do, but this class is honestly my sanity some weeks.

I discovered this class completely by accident while attending the Boston Christmas a little over a year ago. There was a ceramics booth with finished products, but one item caught my eye – the ceramic Christmas tree. You know the one I’m talking about – our moms all had one when we were growing up. They have made a huge comeback in the last few years. Then I saw the big ceramic lighthouse that was way out of my price range but was gorgeous (I have a slight obsession with lighthouses). I began talking with the shop owners and they told me I could paint one of my own. Well sign me up!

Are you looking for something fun to do? Try a ceramic class! They are making a comeback and it's perfect for all skill levels.

This is not your Grandma’s ceramic class. We have all ages in our class – our youngest student is 15. We are all very different, but it is like a little family. It’s 2.5 hours of painting, laughing, and therapy. The owner and instructor, Dale, is so talented and helpful. You can tell that she truly loves what she does. In fact, this is her retirement job. She has a huge assortment of pieces and even if you think you have no talent for painting, with her direction you will create amazing pieces. We all made Christmas gifts for our loved ones, and everyone loved them. Prices are SO reasonable ($10 a class or $32 for the month plus the cost of the piece, and some pieces take several weeks to complete). Continue reading »

NEW Star Wars MINILAND Display at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston

Feb 132018

I never tell my kids where we’re going, I just tell them we’re going on a Mystery Ride and we go. Sometimes we go to Walmart, sometimes we go to Washington, DC. It’s a surprise every time. So, when the opportunity came up to go to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Boston for #LEGOStarWars #MINILAND Preview Event I was psyched. This was going to be a perfect Mystery Ride! With my oldest being almost 13, the age gap between him and the 9- & 8-year olds feels like dog years. It’s getting harder and harder to find Mystery Rides they will enjoy together but something like this was a no-brainer.

Star Wars MINILAND is the newest addition to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Boston. For Star Wars fans, this is a display not to be missed!

When they saw Gio, the giant Lego Giraffe, and realized they were going up to the Discovery Center, the excitement was palpable. Even the tweenager smiled. We found parking two blocks over that was free for the first 3 hours, made a mental note that there was an ice cream shop across the street and headed in for our adventure. Continue reading »

Keep the Kiddos Busy During Their Winter Break (Locally)

Feb 072018

Did you catch the Facebook live I did this morning with Leah from City Living Boston live from The Royal Sonesta Boston. Actually, Kim from Kimworld was there, too, but she did all the behind the scenes stuff for us (THANK YOU for that by the way, Kim)! During the live stream we covered local things to do over the Winter break/February school vacation.

What, you missed it? No worries – grab a snack, sit back and have a look:

Before I get into all my February vacation picks, here are a few of the links for things mentioned in the live stream for your reference:

Little Scientists Package: https://www.sonesta.com/…/royal-sonesta-boston/offers

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston February Vacation Offerings http://www.mfa.org/…/special-event/february-vacation-

Mirror Maze Exhibit at Museum of Science, Boston https://www.mos.org/exhibits/mirror-maze

Love Royally at the Royal Sonesta Boston https://www.sonesta.com/loveroyally

As promised here is some information on the locations I discussed in the video (plus a few that I didn’t have time to mention): Continue reading »

BABEL: An Evening of Mind Reading in Boston

Feb 052018

My husband, Christian, and I got recently invited to check out a new show in Boston called “BABEL: An Evening of Mind Reading”. Sounds cool, right? Well, it was cool. Actually, it was totally mind blowing. We love it when we watch America’s Got Talent and a mentalist comes on and it always ends the same way with the two of us: when the trick is over, we look at each other and say in unison, “how the h-e-double hockey sticks did they do that??”

BABEL is a 90-minute intimate evening of mind-reading with Boston’s premiere mentalist, Christopher Grace, at The Bostonian Boston in the financial district and we went to BABEL’s debut show last Friday. It’s a performance designed for sophisticated adults looking for a different type of entertainment and Christopher delivered on his promise.

BABEL is a 90-minute intimate evening of mind-reading with Boston’s premiere mentalist, Christopher Grace, at The Bostonian Boston in the financial district. It's a performance designed for sophisticated adults looking for a different type of entertainment.

Christopher completely confounded the entire audience on Friday with his seemingly impossible mind-reading abilities, acts of super memory, and actually entertaining rapid fire math skills. He was inside all of our heads and kept up laughing the whole time. Continue reading »

Chef’s Demonstration Table at the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

Jan 172018

I don’t know about you, but my husband I are always looking for fun date night ideas. We are both foodies, so going out to eat makes us both very happy, but every now and then it’s fun to change things up. Last weekend we definitely leveled up our date night! We spent a super fun night at the Chef’s Demonstration Table at the Dan’l Webster Inn in Sandwich.

The Chef's Demonstration Table at the Dan'l Webster Inn is a unique entertainment experience. Enjoy a cooking lesson and a wonderful dinner all in one fun night out.

The evening was quite entertaining as about 23 of us watched Chef Steve Chausse and Pastry Chef Lydia Broderick prepare a 3 course meal from scratch. The menu included roasted Stuffed Artichoke Tartlet, Winter Flounder Francaise with a beurre blanc sauce and a Ricotta Cheesecake with an almond crust for dessert. The two chefs made all three dishes from scratch all while providing tips on which tools and materials are best to use and lots of other practical tips that we will be able to use at home. Continue reading »

Plan Your Next Romantic Cape Cod Getaway at the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa

Jan 152018

Here in Massachusetts a sandwich isn’t just a delicious combination of lunch meat, condiments and bread – it’s a town on Cape Cod, too. Yes, the actual name of the town is Sandwich and what a lovely town it is. I actually spent many childhood summers in Sandwich and I have so many fond memories of all my time there. My Great Aunt Millie and Uncle Jack used to rent a beach cottage on N Shore Blvd every summer and as kids we loved visiting them and playing on the beach. Sure there are beaches in Maryland (where they were from), but there is something really special about Cape Cod and it kept them coming back year after year.

Aside from the amazing beaches, there is charm everywhere you look. Cape Cod is filled with antique shops, boutiques, museums, cafes and so much more. It really is a wonderful getaway destination and I have just the place for you to stay when you start planning your trip to “The Cape”: The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa!

The Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa is the perfect destination for your Cape Cod vacation, business gathering, wedding or simply a quick Cape Cod getaway.

The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich, Cape Cod’s oldest town, has been in business for over 300 years. When you book a stay in one of the 48 guest rooms/suites at the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa, you will be pleasantly surprised when enter your guest room. Each room has it’s own lovely decor and is full of amenities that you will help you to have a comfortable stay, including WiFi, a coffee maker, hair-dryer and more. If you are looking for a little more than just a room, there are suites available which feature canopy and/or four-poster beds, fireplaces and over-sized whirlpool tubs. Continue reading »

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