Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

kissmekate48 t1_iuhhqz5 wrote

It pains me to say this, but it’s going to be difficult to get around to places outside the city without a car. Cape Ann (already mentioned) is a great idea. The train goes to Concord, charming, some nice walks too. You can take the train to Providence, but that’s another city. You can take a ferry to Provincetown for the day, but ideally you’d get out to the dunes too. Are you up for driving day trips? I’d add Oqunquit, Maine and the Marginal Way. I think the train goes to Newport, RI, actually. Lots of the mansions decorate for Christmas.

You probably know this, but it could be bitterly cold, or it could sunny and balmy. This year is leaning toward warm, A good bit of October has been in the 60s, but it could also start snowing next week.

2

simolaw OP t1_iuhi2cl wrote

We're really hoping not to have to hire a car as using a train is part of the experience not just the destination, your idea of Concord sounds good as I think it's gonna be quite historic I guess?

2

kissmekate48 t1_iuhxy4l wrote

Indeed, since it's where we started throwing off the yoke of our British oppressors. ;-) Actually, if you walk Battle Road (which is a lovely path through woods and open land past some preserved colonial homes) there are little Union Jacks marking the spots where British soldiers fell.

The Colonial Inn on the roundabout in Concord center has a nice historic feel (haven't been in ages to speak about the food). There are other decent restaurants in town. The train station is a block or two from the actual center. There's a good coffee shop (aside from Nero) called Haute Coffee on a back street. On the way to Battle Road is First Parish (pretty sure Emerson and Thoreau went there), the Concord Museum, one of Hawthorne's homes, and the Alcott home (associated with Little Women). If you don't feel like the full Battle Road walk (it's a mile or so to the start, and then ~11 miles, I think?), you can also walk up to Old North Bridge, very pretty, site of another battle. There are some other trails that lead to Great Meadow. If it's cold, you'll want places to duck into and warm up. For the Christmas break, the visitor's center at Old North Bridge might be open.

1

kissmekate48 t1_iuhy3mo wrote

I just remembered that there's a new British import shop in Concord center, you can have a chuckle at that. Although they do stock Branston's beans.

2

simolaw OP t1_iuhzofr wrote

I was amazed that British Baked Beans are almost unheard of in the US, despite the most iconic Baked Bean brand being made by Heinz! Baked beans on hot buttered (preferably sourdough) toast...yum 😋

2

simolaw OP t1_iuhz9lb wrote

That's really really helpful, thank you...yep you guys have done OK since we let you go....🤣😎

2

kissmekate48 t1_iuhzn3s wrote

lol, I am ready to be repatriated any time, even with Brexit! My forbearers were loyalists who fled then slunk back a few generations later. Shhhh!

2

simolaw OP t1_iui001j wrote

Let's ignore the British trait of shooting ourselves in both feet by making idiotic choices like Brexit..at least Liz Truss has been given the order of the boot!

2

simolaw OP t1_iui059w wrote

Always happy to welcome our ex colonial brothers and sisters here in the old country!

1

simolaw OP t1_iuhi8gw wrote

Also hoping that it is really cold rather than just just like a UK winter day which is quite miserable if it's rainy! We're coming ready for it to be properly cold and even snowy!

1

kissmekate48 t1_iuhypoc wrote

Fingers crossed for you then! We like to have a white Christmas too. On a good cold snowy dry day it feels great to be outside. A warmer, windy, damp day can feel far worse. The solution is a few thin but warm layers, a waterproof shell (you already have those), a scarf, good socks, good gloves or even better, mittens, and a good hat. With that, you can practically live outdoors.

1