Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market) – Boston National Historical Park

As you make your way on Boston’s Freedom Trail you will go pass Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market. You can get more information on Faneuil Hall and the Freedom trail at the visitor center for the Boston National Historical Park in their downtown visitor center on State Street. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is both the best and worst of a travel destination. The historic significance of the building and its place in history cannot be denied. It still brings a wealth of emotions when you contemplate what transpired here. Rita became a naturalized US citizen in the hall and it brings special memories for her. On the other hand the commercialism of the area is the very definition of “tourist trap.” The food stalls in Quincy Market are what you will find in any major mall food court in the US and the clash of crowds can be overwhelming. It is however the largest food hall in New England with over 35 international food vendors inside the Quincy Market Colonnade.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

My suggestion is that you go up to the second floor of Faneuil Hall and see the meeting room and then instead of stopping at the food stalls go to one of the literally hundreds of restaurants that are only blocks away for lunch. Grab a cannoli at Mikes or Modern in the North End or sit down in one of the many restaurants.

Stage Fort Park – Gloucester, Massachusetts (Essex National Heritage Area)

Stage Fort Park is part of the Essex National Heritage Area. The park is the site of Gloucester’s first settlers in 1623. The first stop should be at the visitor center which covers the park, Gloucester and is an official visitor center for the Essex National Heritage Area a National Park Service unit. The park is full of modern facilities such as sport fields, a dog park, a playground and large grassy areas perfect for picnics. There are also two beach areas and a grandstand where there are concerts and fireworks during the summer.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

My suggestion for a trip to Gloucester is to pick up some great seafood or plan a barbecue (bring your own grill) and have a pleasant lunch on the grass before heading out onto Cape Ann for your shopping and sightseeing.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Eastern Point Lighthouse – Gloucester, Massachusetts

The Eastern Point Lighthouse sits at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor the oldest seaport in the continental United States. The Lighthouse was first lit in 1829 and not only protected shipping into Gloucester Harbor but also was a spot to lookout for the Gloucester Sea Serpent! To get to the lighthouse take East Main Street past Niles’ Beach. You will see signs saying private road / residents only but proceed past these. There is one small sign with an icon of a lighthouse and an arrow pointing straight. Once past the private residences there is a small parking area for the lighthouse. The grounds around the perimeter of the light are open to the public but the house itself has a resident Coast Guard family be sure to respect their privacy. The lighthouse can be seen in the distance from across the bay from Stage Fort Park and of course up close at the sight.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

There is a long breakwater adjacent to the lighthouse with an additional light at the end of the breakwater. The breakwater is open year round but be extremely careful it is very exposed to wind and sticks very far out into the harbor.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Marblehead Light – Marblehead, Massachusetts

The Marblehead Light in Marblehead, Massachusetts looks like an unremarkable modern light tower but in fact has a rich history. The original brick and mortar house and tower were built in 1834. The present iron tower was constructed in 1895. It is a shame the original lighthouse and tower no longer exist as the setting on the point of land sticking out into Marblehead harbor is spectacular.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The light is located in the Chandler Hovey Park in Marblehead.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

A great spot for a picnic lunch.

Hammond Covered Bridge – Pittsford, Vermont

The Hammond Covered Bridge in Pittsford is the type of rustic unpretentious bridge you will find throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Built in 1843 and spanning Otter Creek it is a pedestrian only bridge with little infrastructure. Good views of the bridge can be had if you wander downstream and look back up towards the bridge.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

If in the area or you happen by there are some good photos to be had, but there are more scenic bridges in the state.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos