What started just a casual conversation amongst my work friends became a serious venture a couple of months ago when Casey, one of my work homies who has never been to Boston booked her flight. I followed suit. Then Julie did the same. So two weeks ago for five days, we all flew to Beantown on two separate flights. Julie took off first as she was on an earlier and different flight. Casey and I took the same flight but different seats.
Top: Casey on the plane to Boston; the three of us the the lobby of Omni Parker
Bottom: cannoli from Mike’s Pastry; Lobster Roll from Boston Chowdah
Julie said she’s visited Boston before. I lived in Massachusetts for years and Boston is my backyard so I am no stranger to this town. But witnessing Casey’s excitement seeing Boston for the first time is priceless- a genuine feeling I must say. When we landed at Logan airport, Julie already got the rental car and picked us up and the northeast adventure of the tres amigos began.
Casey’s smiles and giggles continued while in the car as we drove towards downtown. Her reactions and her fascination about my great city was infectious so Julie and I pretty much tagged along. A short drive brought us to Omni Parker House Hotel and checked in. In retrospect, I have lived in Massachusetts for many years but never had checked in at Omni, there’s just always different choices. It did not disappoint; we have almost the top floor with the view of the city hall. While pointing out, I told both of them that this is where the mighty teams of Boston parade when they win championships; or sometimes a big celebration like Pride. A very good choice of the hotel by Casey- for its location and its historical significance as she’d keep on talking about JFK and Jackie O. had stayed here.
The adventure of the tres amigos began at the Freedom Trail.
We rested and refreshed for a little bit and then headed out to start the first on our itinerary- to walk the Freedom Trail. We started with King’s. Chapel Burying Ground across from our hotel. Here lays prominent people of the state of Massachusetts such the likes of John Winthrop (first governor of Massachusetts), Mary Chilton (first European woman to step ashore New England), pilgrims and revolutionary heroes. Then the Boston City Hall to Faneuil Hall and crossed to Quincy Market. By the entrance, we had a glimpse of the street performers who was putting on a show. We were all hungry so we went inside and grabbed lunch. Sitting at the dome, the center of the market, I introduced both of them to the real New England lobstah and Chowdah. I think they both liked that.😊
After that mouth-watering lunch, we proceeded walking following the trail to North End. We went inside Paul Revere House, now a museum that showcases the early life of the revolutionary hero as a silversmith. Then we walked again. Both instagram (Casey insisted) and Bob told us to get the cannoli at the famous Mike’s Pastries. So we did; we only bought one and shared amongst us by the side of the Paul Revere statue behind the North End Church. And then more walk. As we crossed over Charlestown Bridge, I pointed the TD Garden- the home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics and the Zakim Bridge on the other side.
Left: The North End Church;
Top-Bottom: statue of Paul Revere with the North End church behind; the Paul Revere House; TD Garden
From afar I saw the Bunker Hill monument wrapped with scaffoldings and obviously was under repair but walked towards it. My disappointment quickly went away when we found that it remains open. When the staff asked if we want to climb the tower, I immediately said, “Yes!” Julie was hesitant to go up because she doesn’t do good with the stairs but Casey and I convinced her anyway. After 294 steps, all three of us along with other tourists, were able to see the city of Boston from the small rectangular peepholes. I just wished it has more open space, clearer windows, sunnier day for us to appreciate the view more. The going down was more challenging to Julie than the going up. We took our time. Casey who bolted down so fast, already rested as she sat outside waiting for us.
Our last stop walking the Freedom Trail was the USS Constitution. The last time I was here was in 2009 with Bob and my sister during her first visit to Boston. As I reminisce, I was also showing our photos to Casey back then. While Julie decided to go to the museum, Casey and I explored the decks of this mighty vessel that weathered the War of 1812. When we’re done, we walked the Navy Yard and met with Julie at the museum shop.
We finished our tour of the Freedom Trail walk by grabbing a drink and sitting at the open space of the Anchor enjoying our trip and the view of the Boston skyline. After that, we took the ferry to the wharf and walk our way back to the hotel and rest for couple of hours.
dinner at Earl’s Rooftop Bar with my homies.
It was a damp night. It was Day 1 of our adventure and it is not over yet. I have told both my homies that we will have a nice dinner somewhere in Newbury Street- a swanky neighborhood in Boston, equivalent to 5th Ave of New York or Rodeo Drive in LA. While walking to Newbury St and admiring town, the rain poured. We sought shelter at Westin at Copley Square but ended walking the street again until we finally find the foot bridge that connects to Prudential to avoid being more soaked. Casey wasn’t happy. LOL. Our initial plan to eat somewhere in Newbury was scratched off because of the rain, we looked at Eataly inside the Pru but it was too casual. Roaming around, we found Earls’ Rooftop Bar and so we decided to go and have our Italian dinner here instead. Dinner was spent talking about this trip- how fun it has turned out so far and how satisfied all three of us as we have seen so much considering it’s just the first day.
When it was over, we decided to walk back to the hotel as we enjoy the town. We stopped by at Beantown Pub to have a beer but Casey decided to walk back to the hotel instead as she is already tired. I can’t blame her, we walked a total of almost 12 miles. What a day that was!.
Our upscale dinner the night before was followed by another boujee breakfast on our second day as we have one at Parker’s Pub before checking out. Casey had this idea, she wanted to know were Jackie O. sat during her date with the late JFK and our server did not disappoint her. We learned it was Table #40 and everyone was happy.😉
L- Head of the Charles Regatta Competition at Charles River;
R- The three of us at John Harvard’s statue in Harvard University
After we checked out we headed to Fenway Park- the home of the Boston Red Sox. Too bad that we only got to see the outside. There was no tour of the field as there was a memorial happening inside and the entrances are heavily secured. Even then we all had a great time.
The sky was dark with a bit of rain shower on and off on our way to Harvard University. I noticed that Charles River have spectators; then I realized it was the Head of the Charles weekend. We stopped and watched the yearly regatta competition. When the rain started to pick up, we made our way to Harvard University. But it was cut short because the rain poured so hard. We got our pictures taken of John Harvard though.
Off to New Hampshire.
I was amazed how Julie navigated Boston traffic. We didn’t have so many crazy turns and one ways in Deland like Boston has; nor we have to switch drivers. She is able to bring all of us safely outside the city off to New Hampshire for leaf peeping. The fun part of our drive up north was stopping multiple times. The first one was at the welcome center in Salem, NH- had a photo op with the welcome sign (a Julie’s idea). Then we stopped at Market Basket for lunch. I bought my steamed lobstah- that later I ate in the carh.😂
Top: the view of Lake Winnipesauke in the town of Wolfeboro; one of the cascading falls at Diana’s Bath;
Bottom: The Saco Covered Bridge; the view of foliage in the White Mountains during train ride;
Along the way we stopped at Lake Winnipesaukee; in the town of Wolfeboro. Not what I have envisioned for a scenic foliage due to the rain, but the colors were still up there. With our umbrella and rain coats we stopped for our photo op. Then drove again. It took us forever to get to our hotel in North Conway. It seemed that we have been driving all day, not to mention the less road travelled Google map brought us to.
After we have checked in we went to Muddy Moose for dinner. Bob and I dined here before and he recommended for us to go here too. After a nice dinner we went back to the room and called it a night. Day 3 is another day.
For some reason all three of us woke up early. As I looked outside, I appreciated the beauty of the mountain we’re staying at. Colors are at their peak. It was still overcast but glad there wasn’t any rain like yesterday. Not just yet. We went down to have our breakfast then got ready after for our day adventure.
The steam train we rode stopped in Crawford, NH ; Top: photo-op before the train left;
Bottom: myself and Casey, like kids in a candy store admiring the beauty of White Mountains
Our scenic train ride was not until 1130AM and we have ample time to spend. Casey was Instagram researching the night before so we decided to check out two locations she suggested- Diana’s Bath and Cathedral Ledge; both in Bartlett, a neighboring town. We followed a trail to Diana’s bath. A combination of walking and a short hike brought us to a nice series of water falls. We stayed here for a bit to both enjoy the scenery and take photos. Then off to Cathedral Ledge.
The drive up to Cathedral Ledge reminded me of driving Mt. Wachusett in Princeton, MA. Winding and enjoyable. Up the summit we were rewarded with a panoramic foliage view overlooking the white mountains. It’s so pretty up here! Our hearts were full.
The Conway scenic train was the highlight of our third day. A five hour ride at the white mountains- from North Conway to Crawford- such a spectacular experience; like a kid in a candy store. Most of the ride was raining and it was cold but the beauty of the mountains was just pure, and simply amazing. Bob and I have driven the white mountains many times, but this experience my friends and I was extra ordinaire. The five hour train ride made us so hungry and tired. When we got off, we had dinner at Red Parka Pub. After that, we settled back in the hotel and called the night off.
The scenic Kancamangus Highway in New Hampshire
Monday, our fourth day we had flexible schedule. What originally intended a ride to Flume Gorge turned out to be just a hop on hop off on our own terms. Julie may not be fond of it (she’s behind the wheels), but we did it anyway. We first stopped at Echo Lake. Peaceful and serene, I took my camera out to do some long exposure while I let the two do their own things. It has a beautiful facade of the Cathedral Ledge that we enjoyed briefly until other tourists came. This reminded me of the Hathaway’s Pond in Cape Cod. Then we drove back to Main Street for the last time to buy our souvenirs.
The next hours were spent driving by the Kancamangus Highway. I could say that this was the best ride I have of the scenic Kancamangus. From North Conway to Lincoln, it was a feast to the eyes. Our first stop was Saco River Covered Bridge. It took me a while to come back since I was photographing and I got scolded by consuming so much time from doing so😂. Then some more photos to the Swift River, but this time short and within the five minute grace period Julie had given me😂😂. Next was the Rocky Gorge; a scenic area with a foot bridge over the gorge which overlooks where Swift River narrows as it cascades to the gorge. Then to Sabaday Falls- another beautiful falls that I regretted not setting up my camera; I am glad I still have decent battery in my phone. The rest of the day are just basically driving and admiring the sceneries alongside the road. Then it sank in, we were no longer in New Hampshire.
stolen shot of my homies in one of our walks in Lincoln, NH.
The last remaining hours we have on Monday was spent mainly at the hotel premise which overlooks the financial district of Boston. We were by the harbor. Once again, Julie and I both gave Casey a credit for booking this Hyatt Hotel. Top floor, harbor view, perfection! It was just so mesmerizing that we never left the room after we put down our luggages- we’re just there watching the sun set. It was mesmerizing that all three of us was recording it in our phone in time lapse. Once the sun was gone, we decided to get and eat our dinner- another boujee New England one for the last time.
our last night in Boston Harbor, I took advantage of our location and sneaked out to take this beautiful photo of Boston’s financial district.
and just like that, we ended our trip in my driveway with a group hug! ❤️❤️❤️