Author: Nichole S.

I took a quick trip around the island this afternoon. Here is some of what I stopped to photograph.

After spending the day at the Topsfield Fair, eleven of us stopped for lunch on the way home.  Who can tell where we were?  Everything, for the record, was delicious.

I always have a laugh when driving by Lynn’s own “Lynnapesaukee” …..as opposed to, obviously, Winnipesaukee.  I’ve never actually stopped there.  Have you?

I was at the Beauport for a luncheon yesterday and watched out the window as the waves started to roll in. They were still little….but they were coming.

 

 

I stopped by Tendercrop Farm in Wenham yesterday to grab some soup for lunch.  I always find myself taking photos while there.  Even on a dark and drab day, the colors are always vibrant.

Thatch has had so many great opportunities as a cadet with the David G. Ouellet Division of the US Navy Sea Cadets.

This past weekend, he took his 3rd flight with Boston Helicopter.  Not a bad way to go leaf peeping.

I couldn’t resist pulling over yesterday while rushing between activities and errands.  I’m so glad that I did.  A relaxing few minutes was enough to reset and get going again.

Some people stop and smell the roses to to slow down and appreciate the moment….we stop and look at the pebbles and shells on the beach.  Whatever works these days.  Have a nice weekend!

 

 

Pick #1: Topsfield Fair 

FIND ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW including ticket prices, rides, shows, full schedule, and more HERE 

October 4 – 14
Open Daily at 10AM

 

Pick #2: Notch Traveling Biergarten at Appleton Farms

Friday from 5:00-9:00, Saturday 2:00-7:00, and Sunday 1:00-6:00

Appleton Farms219 Country Road,  Ipswich

Pick #3: The Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair in Salem

Salem’s Month of Haunted Happenings is officially underway.

Check out all of the Haunted Happenings HERE

October 6 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Fun for all ages! Shop 70+ vendors, listen to live music and enjoy historic Salem . This street festival has something for everyone… crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and more!

 

As always, for a comprehensive list of . family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid. 

I walked by Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck the other day and was smitten with this robot in the window.  Upon closer inspection I noticed the sign stating that the Summer Art Series #4 “Recycled Robots” is on display until October 15th. I hope to get back to see this guy’s friends.

We went to the Studio last night for dinner and stopped to see if we could get a glimpse of the cruise ship departing.  We had missed the ship, but caught the pretty sunset.

We try to get to Myopia at least one a season and, since yesterday was the last match of the year, I was happy to finally make it.  Yesterday’s event was the Harriman Cup and Yale took on University of Virginia.  Learn more about Myopia Polo HERE and plan on attending at least once next season.

Upon walking outside from Tonno the other night, Paul Horovitz captured this image of some pretty serious texture in the clouds.  The more I look at it the more I see.

I heard on the radio that today is National Lobster Day…but, I wasn’t so sure so I did some research.  I’ve found conflicting reports.  Some sources say that National Lobster Day in the United States was June 15th and other say that it is indeed today.  Hence my question mark in the title.  It does seem that it used to be celebrated back in June, but the US Senate, lead by a resolution from Maine State Senators, agreed to designate this day in September as “the day” four years ago.

So, thank a lobsterman….or maybe a certain lobster buyer….you happen to know for all of their really hard work…and go enjoy a lobster.  Is anyone in town offering deals today?

Here is a “have a great day (whatever day it is) from my littlest lobsterman.  And….no, that wasn’t a keeper and was definitely thrown back.

Here is one source that claims today is the day.  

Senate Recognizes September 25th as National Lobster Day for 4th Straight Year

SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SeafoodNews] – September 25, 2018

National Lobster Day is here – again!

Although some celebrate on June 15, the U.S. Senate has recognized September 25 as the official National Lobster Day for the fourth year in a row.

Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King introduced a resolution to designate September 25, 2018 as National Lobster Day back in July.

 

Working in Beverly, I’ve been watching the development of North Shore Crossing for quite some time now….specifically the progress being made on the new Whole Foods Market.  While I don’t ever imagine doing a “full shop” at the Whole Foods, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m excited about the ability to run in and grab some of their nice array of prepared foods for the afternoon rush of “son juggling” to/from different hockey rinks.  Thatcher attends school in Rockport and plays for a hockey team out of Peabody….which means evening practices up there.  Finn attends a school in Beverly where I work and practices out of Talbot rink at O’Malley.  So, there’s a lot of back and forth up/down Route 128 and coordinating of schedules.   With hockey season kicking into full swing the exact same time school was back in session, we’ve been dropping the ball big time in regards to meal planning.  We are far too guilty of feeding the boys on the fly and the choices have been less than healthy.

Whole Foods will be a nice option for afternoon snacks and later dinners….or at least I hope….until crock pot weather is upon us.

Whole Foods Market, Beverly is scheduled to open on October 18th.

READ MORE HERE

Here are some store features:

Special features of the store include:

• Hundreds of products throughout the store from local suppliers, seven of which are recipients of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to local producers to help grow their businesses

• Fresh produce department featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables and selections from over 12 regional growers

• Bakery department offering an array of breads baked in-house, locally-made pastries and items for vegan and other special diets

• Full-service butcher department with a variety of ready-to-cook options, such as made in-house sausages and fresh ground beef, and selections from local suppliers

• Seafood department featuring fresh seafood from local suppliers, including sea scallops, littleneck clams, oysters and haddock fillets, as well as a large selection of packaged and frozen fish

• Specialty foods section with artisanal chocolates, locally sourced cheeses and seasonal antipasti items made in-store

• Bulk section with about 90 items and five make-your-own nut butter grinders

• Prepared foods department featuring hot and cold food bars and stations for made in-house  signature sandwiches, build your own bone broth bowls, Mediterranean grain bowls, charcuterie, pizza, sushi and oven-ready meals

• Full-service coffee and tea bar

• Beauty and body care department featuring products from about 30 local suppliers

 

Pick #1: Trails and Sails Week in Essex County

These fabulous activities are so rich and important….and are such an asset to families and residents in this area.  There is a full calendar of 10 FREE Days of Events

Get your calendars out and start marking the ones that you would like to squeeze in!  There truly is fun for the whole family.

Discover special places in your backyard! Be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in cultural experiences of all kinds. Find what makes Essex County like nowhere else during Trails & Sails!

GMG’s own Pat D. did a great post about Trails and Sails earlier today as well.  Please read hers HERE

You can find the TRAILS AND SAILS WEBSITE HERE

Pick #2: KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain

So this may be kind of a hike, but it sounds worth it.  Plus, you can stop at the AWESOME Wachusett Brewing Company on the way home.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

LEARN ALL ABOUT WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN’S KIDFEST HERE

10am – 5pm

This one’s all about kids and families! Two days filled with entertainment, shows, giveaways, vendors, activities and more! No shortage of fun for everyone!

 

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Check out this awesome shot thanks to “Wicked Rick”.   It isn’t a huge tuna, but it is still a fantastic catch….with the camera that is.  This playful humpback was happy to take a closer look at their boat.

 

I went to Fenway Park on Saturday night to see Billy Joel.  He opened the concert by saying how nice it was to be back in Boston… (it was his 6th time playing at Fenway and he is now the 1st official inductee into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame).  He then told the crowd that he had spent the two days prior up in Gloucester.   Did anyone happen to bump into him?   A bit later in the evening he talked about his time in Gloucester again and said that his time there always reminds him of “this song” …. and then sang “Downeaster Alexa.”  (video attached)

During a weekend when we lost two iconic musicians, it was really fantastic to hear him perform as strong as always.

 

Pick #1: 5th Annual Harvest Music Festival 

Pick #2: Farm Day Festival

Sunday, September 15th 10:00-3:00

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ MORE

Come celebrate and support Appleton Farms at our annual Farm Day Fall Festival! Bring your friends, family, neighbors and everyone you know for some good old fashion fun on the farm. This event is perfect for all ages. Your ticket and attendance support Appleton Farms continued effort to provide quality food, programs and space for our community.

This year we are excited to be growing and expanding our longest running event! We will have your usual favorites that include visiting with our farm animals, painting your own pumpkin, challenging your friends in a potato sack race or hay obstacle course, taking a ride on the ponies, enjoying a wagon ride across the farm, climbing aboard our tractors, listening to some live music, and so much more. New additions will include an Appleton Farms cafe with farm goodies, local craft vendors with quality homemade goods, info and educational booths from local organizations and experts, and a pumpkin launcher!

All of this activity will surely have you hungry and thirsty. Luckily you will be able to visit our food court where you will find local food trucks, snack vendors and some delicious desert. A vendor list will be posted on our Facebook page. However, you can expect some BBQ, baked goods, ice cream, shaved ice, and more. Old Planters will also be stopping by to serve some beer beginning at noon. Yum!!

Admission includes everything except food, beverages and the pumpkin launcher. This event runs rain or shine. Admission fee is by the car load, so we encourage you to car pool. We will be offering a single adult ticket for those who will be traveling alone. Become a Trustees member at this event and recevie the ticket difference back along with a free gift!

Pick #3: Open Newbury Street, Boston

While shopping on Newbury Street is a bit out of my league, I love that they now close off the street to all automobile traffic three times each summer so that people can stroll, shop, eat, drink, and listen to music on Newbury Street.

This Sunday, September 15th, from 10:00-6:00 marks the final Open Newbury of this season.

Building on the success of the last two years of Open Newbury Street events, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that “Open Newbury Street” will continue this year over a series of three Sundays this summer. From 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on July 8th, August 12th, and September 9th, Newbury Street will become a pedestrian-only walkway, closing to vehicles to allow pedestrians the opportunity use the full width of the street. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

“Over the past two years, we’ve had overwhelming success in creating a pedestrian-friendly experience for Newbury Street visitors and businesses and I am excited that we’ll be continuing this series again this summer,” said Mayor Walsh. “From being able to shop for products both in the store and out, to enjoying lunch next to a street performer, we are happy that residents and visitors will get to experience this opportunity, and are grateful to the business owners and residents who have worked with us to expand this next edition of the Open Newbury Street series.”

“We’re so happy that Open Newbury Street is returning this summer,” said Brianne Dyke, Manager of Crush Boutique. “These pedestrian friendly shopping days draw a wonderful crowd, and create a strong sense of community. It means so much to us that as Boston continues to grow, the Mayor’s Office continues to be supportive of small businesses like ours. We’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with our neighbors to create special events for the Open Newbury Sundays, and we look forward to another wonderful summer on our vibrant street.”

Parking will once again be restricted beginning at 8:00 a.m., and signs will be posted informing drivers of the change. All businesses will be encouraged to promote the event on social media using #OpenNewbury and make customers aware of car-free day ahead of time. The public is encouraged to utilize the several different MBTA routes that service the area in addition to bicycling and walking.

As always, for a comprehensive list of family friendly activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.