Author: Nichole S.

Finn and I drive by Northern Lights Farm in Ipswich several times per week. We finally made it a point to stop in last Sunday. I’m so glad we did. We obviously loved seeing the donkeys, goats, Francesca the pig, rabbits, and all sorts of birds…..but we also bought a beautiful wreath, some baked goods, and honey. Check it out if you drive by for sure!

More often than not, when I reach out to my older son and ask where he is or what he is up to, he will send me a photo. This was his response the other day.

Peek-a-boo. Finn and I met a couple of super cute donkeys over the weekend. This one was extra friendly and definitely wanted to play.

Nacho Stack. This is the way to make nachos. Shared these with a friend at Post in Hamilton (formerly the Black Cow). If you’ve ever shared nachos with someone and felt weird about trying to find a chip with the right combination of fixings on it, you’ll love these. Made layer by layer…. Each chip was exactly the same. It’s the little things.

PLEASE share your favorite holiday/winter activities. I’m hoping to make the most of this holiday season this year by doing some of the fun and simple things that we never seem to save time for.

I spend a lot of time at Governor’s Academy these days as Finn practices at their rink. I adore this little red schoolhouse that sits on their property.

A few of us met to catch up over drinks and dinner last night. We chose Oliver’s Harbor on Main Street and I’m glad we did. We shared the best calamari I’ve ever had (for real) and a couple of beet salads (beets, sweet potatoes, eggplant, goat cheese, and zinfandel vinaigrette dressing). The photo below is of the stacked beets salad and it was also delicious.

Home

Just outside our hotel in Montreal was Place du Canada. It was there that they gathered to celebrate the first in-person Remembrance Day since pre-COVID. It was an elaborate and special event and I was happy to have been able to attend while up there for a hockey tournament.

The Blue Marlin Grille warm pretzels. I met a couple of friends for a precious hour in between all of the obligations we each had one night last week. Pumpkin beer and some yummy warm pretzels did the trick.

https://www.bluemarlingrille.com/

The calendar said November 5th, but the line in front of Woodman’s better resembled August 5th. This weekend’s weather was gorgeous. It was so nice to see so many people out and about!

I attended Joey’s pretty sweet birthday livestream at the Castle Manor Inn. I took this photo while parking my car. Don’t forget that they are having a Thanksgiving Buffet Menu. Check them out HERE

I’ve never seen cows like these. I really wish it was a better photo. When I first passed by the field they were close to the road, but I couldn’t stop. On my way home I made a point to find a safe spot to pull over and watch them for a bit. They had moved to the back of the field. I love their three bold “stripes”….I’ll have to do some research as to what type of cow they are. Unless anyone of you know!

Star Wars bar. Remember that scene in Star Wars when they’re hanging out in the bar with all the funky characters? Well….

Santa’s Workshop? I enjoyed catching a glimpse of this person hard at work at, what looks to be, making sleighs.

I went to ScreeemFest with Finn and his hockey team last weekend. Haunted Houses aren’t always my jam, but we had a really fun night and made some memories as a team. Buying tickets online ahead of time is mandatory on Saturdays and recommended other nights. Time is running out if you want to go.

https://www.canobie.com/

Finn does a workout session with his hockey team at Repertoire Fitness at Danvers Indoor Sports on Mondays. So, last night….after a super long Monday…. I decided to go sit at Maggie’s Farm (one of the Serenitee Group restaurants) rather than sit in my car and wait. I had some delicious soup and sushi while watching some Patriots pregame on the bar TVs.

https://www.maggiesfarmmiddleton.com/

Middleton

189 South Main Street
Middleton, MA 01949

(978) 539-8583

I find myself driving through Middleton frequently during hockey season and I always enjoy it a bit extra in the fall. They do such a fantastic job of making the town look extra festive and beautiful this time of year.

Make a point to swing by Googans Galley in downtown Essex over the weekend. Finn and I stopped in for a Pumpkin cold brew and a grilled cheese sandwich last weekend….both were delicious. The baked goods looked wonderful as did everything else on the menu. There is also a really great selection of items for sale that I look forward to going back and browsing when I have more time.

Whenever we go to the TDGarden we park in Charlestown and walk past the marina, through the park, and under the Zakim to head to the game. It was a rainy walk the other night, but super pretty.