April 2023 (and some earlier visits)
I started my foray in the Berkshires staying in Lenox, the home of Tanglewood. For those who have not been to Tanglewood, it is this fabulous outdoor music venue which the Boston Symphony Orchestra call their home in the summer. The last time I was there was for a Star Wars tribute which was very cool with the orchestra and live narration by James Earl Jones and a guest appearance by Yo-Yo Ma. Not too shabby. Turns out the area is pretty deserted in the early spring. I did meet an interesting builder / musician while eating dinner in Lee and he invited me to meet up the next day to hike / tour the land where he is planning to build a small getaway home. As we walked through the tall grass and the fallen trees he’d been clearing the previous day I asked if I needed to be concerned with ticks to which Tim replied no, he had never seen any. So, a few days later I get a text from him that he had been bed ridden with a tick borne illness since the day after we toured the property. So much for not having to worry. The second part of my Massachusetts venture was spent along the coast around Cape Ann which I really liked. The only issue I had there is I stopped in Gloucester for cookies from an Italian bakery which they put into a clear plastic container and as I walked to my car via the waterfront, a group of seagulls saw the cookies and started to bomb dive at me coming inches from my face trying to grab them. And I thought San Francisco had aggressive seabirds! I had to run to my car and jump in to avoid them.
LEE / STRATFORD. Having fond memories of summer trips to Tanglewood with Julie and Tim to listen to music with elaborate upscale picnics complete with candelabras and wine, I decided to return off season. It was very quiet and cold and raining so not a lot going on. I decided to drive to Lee for dinner and ended up at 51 Park Restaurant & Tavern where I had a very tasty dinner, nice glass of wine and met Tim who was in town clearing some land where he plans to build a house, story above.
WEST STRATFORD. Cute town with a few stores and very good coffee at Six Depot Roastery and Cafe. They also had some interesting art, including these coffee filter dresses – don’t wear in the rain.
BOSTON. I originally planned to stay in Boston as I have enjoyed my time there in the past. Lots of history, great food, and great beer. I found there were too many choices of where to stay, where to eat and it was super expensive so I drove in which is always a fun venture in Boston. I headed through the city to the West End, parked and walked around a bit, decided there were too many people and drove out and kept driving toward Salem and ended up in Beverly.
BEVERLY. Salem did not have the cozy feeling I was looking for after all the chaos but as I drove through Beverly, the downtown looked like somewhere I wanted to be. So, I checked into the one hotel at Endicott College and made my way to what turned out to be a very good Vietnamese place, Soall Viet Kitchen. I thought about taking a Salem witch museum tour the next day but was in a good mood and did not want to quash it.
GLOUCESTER / ROCKPORT / IPSWICH. I made my way around Cape Ann, first stopping in Gloucester for coffee and a mediocre breakfast and then continuing my drive. I really liked Rockport and then in Ipswich found a Mead tasting room so had to stop and chat. I did not partake since it was early in the day but did learn there are over 300 Mead producers in the U.S., many of them in New England.
PLYMOUTH ROCK. I went here years ago so did not go on this trip but worth the stop for the history. CAPE COD AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD. I did not make it to either on this trip but have gone to both in the past and each is visit worthy. Martha’s Vineyard can be accessed by ferry (my first trip) or air (my second) and if you are there, rent a bike to get around. Cape Cod will take quite a while to drive through so pick your favorite and stay there. I have mostly stayed in Chatham visiting my friend Alison during her vacation times but also explored Providence and a few other towns along the way. Just don’t swim these days as shark attacks are on the rise.