Williamstown, Mass – The collection of Impressionist and American paintings at the Clark Art Institute is exceptional for a small museum. It is particularly strong in its Impressionist paintings, especially Monet and Renoir, as well as Americans like Winslow Homer…
Rockport, Massachusetts – Rockport takes its name from its industrial past: its 19th-century role as a shipping center for granite cut from the local quarries. While updating the Lonely Planet guide to New England, I decided to investigate this history–to…
Gloucester, Mass – Much of the interior of Cape Ann is wild and undeveloped, partially protected by reservations, but mostly left to the whims of nature and history. This vast territory is known as Dogtown. Little remains from the Colonial-era…
Lexington, Mass – An official holiday in Massachusetts, Patriots’ Day commemorates the start of the Revolutionary War. On the third Monday in April, Bay Staters celebrate with historical reenactments, patriotic parades and pancake breakfasts. Events take place in Boston, Lexington,…
The map of Boston is a patchwork of oddly shaped and diversely formed districts, a so-called city of neighborhoods. Some were the original pieces of historic Boston, while others were once independent municipalities that were annexed by the larger city. But all…
Somerville, Mass – The grandparents didn’t winter in Florida this year, which meant we could not go visit them during the twins’ February break, like we usually do. We made the best of it with a staycation right here in…
Bostonians don’t let the weather stop us, even in the coldest months. This is New England, after all, so we know how to make the most of winter. Join us as we venture out into the icy air or retreat…
Newbury, New Hampshire – We always make the first ski outing of the season during winter break–the school vacation week between Christmas and New Years. This year, we didn’t get around to it until New Years Day. Welcome to 2024–new…
Boston, Mass – As a pre-Christmas present, Daddio got us tickets to see the incredible magicians Penn and Teller! It’s been a while since we have taken the twins to the theater. (Last time was a special birthday outing to…
Late November, and it’s still beautiful in New England. Lately, I am grateful for every single opportunity I get to be outside, to breathe the air, and to move my body. Happy Thanksgiving!