Category Archives: Massachusetts

Activities, Domestic Travel, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Valley Moments, Weekend Wanderlust

Paddle into Adventure: Experience the Great North Woods with Northern Waters Outfitters

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Great North Woods, Northern Waters Outfitters stands as a beacon for adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences along the Androscoggin River in Errol, New Hampshire. For five decades, our outfitters have been synonymous with excitement, hospitality, and unparalleled outdoor escapades.

At Northern Waters, we believe in fostering a deep connection between nature and the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned explorer, there’s something for everyone within our vast array of offerings.

Kayaking aficionados will find their haven here, as we provide top-notch instruction for beginners and advanced techniques for the seasoned paddler. Our kayaking courses are designed to blend safety with excitement, ensuring that every stroke you take is a step closer to mastering the waters of the Androscoggin.

For those seeking a more leisurely adventure, our canoe rentals offer a tranquil way to explore the river’s gentle currents. Drift along at your own pace, soaking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Northern Waters invites families to embark on exhilarating rafting trips, offered twice daily throughout the season. Our family-friendly excursions promise thrills and laughter as you navigate the rapids together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

What sets Northern Waters apart is not just the activities we offer, but the spirit with which we approach every adventure. Our team is dedicated to providing unparalleled service, ensuring that every aspect of your experience is seamless and enjoyable. From the moment you arrive, our knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist you, whether it’s offering guidance on choosing the right equipment or sharing insider tips on the best spots along the river.

Flexibility is key at Northern Waters. We understand that plans can change, and we’re committed to accommodating your needs to the best of our ability. Whether you’re looking to extend your stay, customize your adventure, or simply need a helping hand, we’re here to make it happen.

And let’s not forget our riverside campsites, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature while still being just steps away from all the excitement. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of the river and wake up to the crisp morning air, ready to embark on another day of adventure.

So, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful retreat, Northern Waters Outfitters invites you to experience the beauty and excitement of the Great North Woods. Join us as we paddle into adventure, one unforgettable moment at a time.

Blog, Domestic Travel, Growing, Massachusetts, Photo Blog, Pioneer Valley, Pleasant St Homestead, Valley Moments

Spending the Day as a Beekeeper in Goshen, MA

GOSHEN, MA – Today I spent the day shadowing a local beekeeper whom I connected with via the buy nothing groups on Facebook. She wanted some macro photos of her bees and I was excited to try my new lens. I’m very happy with the results of these images! I also learned a little about beekeeping a long the way.

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Amherst, MA, Culinary, Domestic Travel, Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley, Valley Moments, Weekend Wanderlust

Farm-to-Table Dining and Masterful Cocktails: A Culinary Experience at the Inn on Boltwood

#InnOnBoltwood #LuxuryGetaway #CulinaryDelights #AmherstMA #HistoricHotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious and memorable getaway in the charming town of Amherst, Massachusetts, look no further than the Inn on Boltwood. This historic hotel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and old-world charm, with elegantly appointd guest rooms and suites, a full-service restaurant and bar, and a range of other amenities to make your stay unforgettable.

One of the highlights of staying at the Inn on Boltwood is the opportunity to sample the delicious cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent dinner or a light lunch, the menu offers a range of options to suit any taste. One standout dish is the Salmon Niçoise, which features tender and flaky Faroe Island salmon, confit tomato, green beans, fingerling potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, niçoise olives, mesclun greens, and a chive vinaigrette. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with each ingredient complementing the others for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Another must-try dish at the Inn on Boltwood is the charcuterie board, featuring a selection of cured meats, house-made pickles, mustards, and crostini. This board is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a solo meal, with the rich and savory flavors of the meats balanced by the tangy pickles and sharp mustards. The crostini provides a crisp and crunchy base for the meats and other ingredients, making for a delicious and satisfying experience.

No matter what your taste, the Inn on Boltwood offers a range of dining options that are sure to please. So why not book your stay today and indulge in the culinary delights of this historic and charming hotel?

Charcuterie Board

Eating this charcuterie board would be a delightful experience for your taste buds. The cured meats, likely including salami, prosciutto, and perhaps a type of sausage, are flavorful and savory, with varying textures and levels of saltiness. Each bite of the cured meats would be a delicious blend of spices and meat, making for a perfect snack or appetizer.

The house-made pickles add a refreshing tanginess to the board, providing a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the cured meats. The pickles could be a mix of cucumber, carrot, or other vegetables that have been pickled in vinegar or brine, adding a bright, acidic flavor to the plate.

The mustards, whether it be a grainy or dijon variety, provided a sharp and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the meats and pickles. The mustard can be spread onto the crostini or combined with other elements on the board to create a tasty combination.

Finally, the crostini provided a crunchy and crispy base for the meats, pickles, and mustard to rest on. The bread added a mild flavor that compliments the meats and provides a nice contrast in texture. You could take a piece of crostini, layer it with a slice of cured meat, a piece of pickle, and a dollop of mustard, creating the perfect bite of charcuterie goodness.

Salmon Niçoise

Eating this Salmon Niçoise meal was a delicious and satisfying experience. The Faroe Island salmon is the star of the dish, cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that complement the other elements on the plate. The fish is tender and flaky, with a rich, buttery flavor that would pair well with the other ingredients.

The confit tomato added a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, bringing out the natural sweetness of the salmon. The green beans and fingerling potatoes would provide a nice contrast in texture, with the beans being crisp and fresh, and the potatoes being soft and creamy.

The hard-boiled eggs added a protein boost to the meal, as well as a nice flavor and texture contrast. The niçoise olives would add a briny, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish, while the mesclun greens would provide a fresh and crisp base for the other ingredients.

The chive vinaigrette would tie all the elements of the dish together, providing a tangy, herbaceous flavor that brings out the best in the salmon and other ingredients. You could mix the vinaigrette with the greens and other ingredients to create a delicious salad, or use it as a dipping sauce for the fish and vegetables.

Eating this Salmon Niçoise meal was a flavor-packed experience that combines the richness of the salmon with the fresh, crisp flavors of the other ingredients.

A stay at the Inn on Boltwood is a delightful experience for any traveler looking for a luxurious and memorable getaway in Amherst, Massachusetts. The hotel’s elegant and comfortable accommodations, combined with its exceptional dining options, make it a top choice for visitors to the area.

From the delicious and satisfying Salmon Niçoise to the charcuterie board that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, the restaurant at the Inn on Boltwood offers a range of culinary delights that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a decadent dinner, the menu offers a range of options to suit your taste.

The Inn on Boltwood offers a unique blend of modern amenities and old-world charm that makes it a top choice for anyone visiting Amherst.

Amherst, MA, Domestic Travel, Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley, Residencies, Residencies, Valley Moments, Weekend Wanderlust

A Classic New England Experience: Uniquely Decorated Guest Rooms at the Inn on Boltwood

#InnonBoltwood #AmherstMA #NewEnglandExperience #SustainableHospitality #30Boltwood

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the historic Inn on Boltwood in Amherst, Massachusetts. As soon as I arrived, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the lush, maple-lined lawn of Amherst Common and the picturesque campus of Amherst College. It was a stunning first impression, and I couldn’t wait to see what else this treasured landmark hotel had in store.

The Inn on Boltwood is a popular destination for many, including returning Five Colleges alumni, visiting parents, and travelers seeking a classic New England experience. It’s not hard to see why. The hotel boasts 49 uniquely decorated guest rooms, each one offering modern amenities like pillow-top mattresses, high thread count linens, complimentary WiFi, and flat-screen HD televisions. I was particularly impressed by how the Inn managed to blend modern comfort with historic charm.

Dining at the hotel’s full-service contemporary restaurant, 30Boltwood, was definitely a highlight of my stay. The menu featured farm-to-table cuisine and masterfully-crafted cocktails, and I was blown away by the innovative dishes and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the dining experience.

In addition to its many other offerings, the Inn on Boltwood is also a popular wedding venue. For generations, the hotel has set the standard for stylish and sophisticated New England weddings. The Inn offers diverse event spaces, customizable menus, and personalized service, making it the perfect place for any wedding-related event.

Throughout my stay, I appreciated the Inn’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as evidenced by its Silver LEED certification. From the comfortable rooms to the delicious dining options, everything was top-notch. Overall, my experience at the Inn on Boltwood was wonderful, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a classic New England experience.

Activities, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Massachusetts, New England, Valley Moments, Western Mass

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Wood Fire Pizza and S’mores

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WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the weather kinda sucked. I had my winter sleeping bag, and a faux sherpa blanket and it was enough to fall asleep next to a fire.

I suggested we make use of the wood fire pizza oven. She had an allergy-free pizza and I used the premade dough and hunt’s tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil from the aerogarden. We then had s’mores. The fire was the hardest part as the wood was only partially dry so it sputtered out when it hit the core. We had gathered birch bark so the pizza was actually cooked with that lol. And it was accompanied with white wine. Overall the meal was a success.

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Tipi Camping –

WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the…
Activities, Destinations, Domestic Travel, Excursions, Massachusetts, New England, Valley Moments, Western Mass

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Tipi Camping

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WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the weather kinda sucked. I had my winter sleeping bag, and a faux sherpa blanket and it was enough to fall asleep next to a fire.

Valley Moments: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, MA – Wood Fire Pizza and S’mores –

WARWICK, MA – My friend Gwendolyn recently invited me to do an overnight at a hipcamp location, called Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat. There were several sleeping arrangements one of which was a Tipi, since I’ve never done a tipi camp I decided to go for that one. I did have a good sleep but the…
Blog, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Wellness

Personal Wellness at The Stonehedge Hotel Spa

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TYNGSBOROUGH, MA – Continuing my personal wellness series, I did go to a Spa in November however I’ve just been so busy with the holidays that I haven’t had a chance or frankly motivation to post. But now I have and can post a few pics. Honestly I don’t have much to say other than it was a super casual but affordable experience. The food wasn’t really much to rave about and was a bite to eat but in a pinch it worked.

 

Blog, Domestic Travel, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley, Wellness

Personal Wellness at a Hillside Town Spa

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LEE, MA – I have been on a personal wellness quest and figuring out the best anxiety and pain management for myself. So far I have discovered water or hydrotherapy does wonders for me. During the summer lakeside beaches really are a huge benefit but they are not open year around. I found a place recently that offers holistic baths which are a nice option because hot tub therapies usually require at least two people, which makes it awkward for myself. I was a bit early to my appointment so I explored Lee. A few years ago I visited a cafe that was known for their crepes, ironically called the Starving Artist Cafe but they were unfortunately closed. I took a few photos, so here they are from my experience.

Blog, Cape Cod, Excursions, Exploration, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Travel

Lifestyle: Travel – Herring Cove Beach Provincetown, MA

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PROVINCETOWN, MA – Today my family and I went to Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. I am on the cape for Labor Day weekend and got lots of fun activities planned. We stopped at the beach to check out the restoration that was done after some damage from a storm awhile ago. These pictures are a reflection of that. They constructed a nice rest area with a concession stand and built up the beach and parking. After that we walked through downtown, ate lunch at Bubala’s, a favorite restaurant of ours. Before heading back I went to Wampum, etc. and purchased a replacement wampum ring finally. I had one a few years ago that broke overtime. Overall a really fun and relaxing day, perfect weather too!

 

Belchertown, Blog, Excursions, Exploration, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Travel, Wellness

Personal Wellness at a Lakeside Beach

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BELCHERTOWN, MA – I initially got my apartment here because of several things, most I am sure most people wouldn’t have considered. One of these amenities is a public beach not too far (walkable) distance from my apartment. However, I have been here two years and this month it was my first time visiting. While a little small, it was a quiet place to getaway for a little bit. They also had a concession stand and some amenities (bathrooms, and boat launch). Earlier this month I took a few photos and was excited to learn they will remain open throughout September!

 

 

Art, Biophilia, Inquiry, Massachusetts, New England, Projects, Research, Science

Workshop: PVMA – Microscopy Workshop

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LEEDS, MA – Last weekend, I attended the mycological association’s microscopy workshop and learned how to create a slide and use a microscope. This is something I’ve been wanting to get into for awhile now, and now that I have moved and have my own space I can plan/save some money to buy a microscope. I’ve been seeing some of my friends’ microscopy images and I think it might be a cool and interesting project to do microscopic images with my electrography, as they too in some respects are microscopy.

The leader of the association had a home lab setup and microscopes for us to use. I really enjoyed learning in an environment that wasn’t stressful nor as formal as a classroom and aim to find more workshops like this in the valley.

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