Being from California and living in an approximately 10 mile area my entire life (49 years!) I have always wanted to see true Fall colors. Now, I can mark that off my "bucket list."
My husband, Mitch, and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on July 28th, 2010, but decided to defer our celebration trip until October when we hoped the true colors would be out.
Our plan was to visit Boston for four days and then drive the five hours to Bar Harbor, Maine.
I didn't know what to expect, except that I didn't visualize tree lined roads for the entire road trip. So gorgeous!
Here's a brief rundown of our fantastic trip:
Day 1: 10-5-10- travel to Boston's Logan Airport. I didn't know that was where the 911 terrorists originated from until my return trip when a friendly stranger told me. Mitch said he knew but didn't want to alarm me. I wasn't alarmed. I figured it must be one of the safest airports anywhere after that claim to fame!
After we settled into the Doubletree in Chinatown, we went to Legals for dinner. My order: New England Clam chowder, a salad with added scallops, and a must-have, Boston Cream Pie for dessert! Yummy.
Day 2: 10-6-10- It was raining this day so we did our in-door stuff as much as possible. First we did the Duck Tour which I highly recommend to do in any city that offers it. Next we went to Samuel Adams for a beer tour. On the way we met two young ladies who turned out to be from San Jose as well. Later we met another couple who was also from San Jose. I guess the San Joseans know what to do in the rain. Take shelter at a free beer tour! I don't even like beer but found the tour very fun and interesting. We got to taste different grains, crush hops in our hands, and then get three seven ounce pours!
After our libation, we went to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
I got a kick out of a button that read, "If I were 21 I'd vote for Kennedy." While at the museum we also got to see a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Day 3: 10-7-10- This was a day to put on our walking shoes and go. I think we must have covered seven miles! First we walked to Fenway and had a great tour. Then it was off to MIT and Harvard. I can now say, "I went to Harvard!" Of course I didn't pick up an education, just a leaf off the hallowed grounds!
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| Sylvia having an intellectual chat with her peers! |
After our long walk we made our way to where everybody knows your name... CHEERS! It's a total touristy things to do, but we had fun!
We ended the evening by eating Chinese food that was near our hotel. It was the most food I have ever been given. They say you eat Chinese food and then you are hungry again in an hour. I don't think so. We ended up searching and finding a homeless man to give our leftovers too!
Day 4: 10-8-10- Major cities have Grey Line bus tours to give tourists a great overview. Well, Boston does too, but even better, they have the RED LINE! It's the most clever thing. To mark the Freedom Trail the city has created a series of contrasting bricks, red paint, and distinctive signage. You just keep following the red line on the historical walk featuring such places at the Old State house, where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall ("The Cradle of Liberty"), Paul Revere's home, and the Old North Church.
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| State House- Samuel Adams and Paul Revere laid the cornerstone in 1795 |
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| Old State House-Site of the Boston Massacre |
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| Faneuil Hall |
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| Paul Revere's House |
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| Paul Revere and the Old North Church |
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| One if by land, two if by sea |
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| Bunker Hill |
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| Charlestown Navy Yard/USS Constitution |
After an exhausting walk through history, we met friends and headed to the West End for a real Italian dinner. The food was scrumptious and the cannelloni with fresh cream and chocolate chips was the perfect end to a fulfilling day.
Day 5: 10-9-10- It's off to Maine we go! That had to be the most scenic route I have ever taken. And, it latest more than five hours. Mitch and I enjoyed the ride and stopped in Augusta to view the state Capitol.
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| Sylvia and her matching tree near the State Capitol |
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| Maine's State Capitol |
Our journey took us through Massachusetts, a bit of New Hampshire, and Maine. We experienced toll roads, and a new concept- State Run Liquor stores in New Hampshire. All the liquor you want tax free! Along route 3 we discovered our ABC's. We kept seeing signs for Antiques, Book Stores and Chiropractors!
We arrived in Bar Harbor close to dinnertime and had a nice visit with my Uncle Sam and his wife, Mary Alice.
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| Sylvia, Mary Alice, and Uncle Sam |
Day 6: 10-10-10- My uncle met us and drove us around Bar Harbor. He is a retired doctor, but could be a great tour guide! He took us up to Cadillac Mountain where you get a great view of the water and all the cruise ships docked for fall foliage trips.
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| Downtown Bar Harbor |
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| Lobster claws with Pizza and Coffee! Unique! |
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| Garlic Ice Cream has nothing on Lobster Ice Cream! |
After a day of exploring Bar Harbor, my first cousin, Betsy, invited us to her home for a lobster dinner. It was wonderful and I learned the difference between a hard and soft shell lobster. I also learned how to get every last tidbit of lobster. Thank you Betsy!
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| I'm ready for my lobster dinner, Meow! |
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| Long Pond |
Day 7: 10-11-10- Betsy was kind enough to drive us around and we also did some hiking. The hike was a moderate 1.6 trek over slippery rocks, brooks, and stone. But, I'm happy to report my right knee (injured six months ago) held up just fine!
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| Japanese Garden |
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| Hiking Beech Mountain in Acadia National Park |
To end our stay in Maine, Mitch and I did the only sensible thing- we had Surf and Turf. We had a lovely steak and lobster dinner at the Chart Room. That brought my total intake on this trip to three lobster meals, two servings of New England Clam Chowder, and an expanding waist line! But, it was most definitely worth it!
Day 8: 10-12-10- It was sad to say goodbye to the East Coast. We made our five hour trip to Boston, got on the plane, had some "Plane Cookies" as a snack, and then rushed through Chicago Midway airport to catch our connecting flight. We missed the "A" boarding line (sorry Mitch) but managed to still board in front of the B group and get seats together. A smooth ride and we were back in San Jose.
I will always remember the beauty that I saw. The fall colors I've dreamt of seeing. "I see your true colors shining through........."
Sylvia
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