No, this thread isn't about Heartfire. That would have been on the other side, you silly people.
I am 26 years old, and I've only been outside Alaska four times in my life, and every time has been on someone else's schedule and with someone else in control. I've never been able to travel on my own terms and see what I wanted to see. (Don't get me wrong; I have seen many things that I did want to see, especially in Japan when I was there on a study trip. But it was still on someone else's schedule; I arrived when they said I would and left when they said I would.)
I finally got sick enough of being tied down in one place that I've decided to go for it. I got my credit card limit increased (I have a decent job, but I don't have enough money to have done this through my savings) and I am going on a two-week vacation, by myself, later this month. The destination I have chosen is New England, simply because it's the region of the country I have the most fascination with and most want to see. I couldn't explain exactly what fascinates me so much about it, but I have a (no doubt overly-) romanticized notion in my head of what it is like, and I want to know what it is really like. I hear it's a wicked pissah.
I will be flying into Portland, Maine, renting a car, and treading a generally S-shaped path through the six states until I reach Hartford, Connecticut, whence I will be flying home.
At least, that's the idea.
See, I've lived in Alaska all my life, and I've never driven anywhere that wasn't Alaska before. So I can't think on an east-coast scale any more than I can think in Celsius. I don't know how long it takes to drive from one place to the next down there. So I'm hoping to find out from the Hatrackers who are used to traveling in that area: Is it reasonable to think I can see all six New England states in a two-week period? Will I be rushed on a schedule like that, or will I find myself with a lot of spare time?
I'm also hoping to get some ideas of what I should see when I'm there. My main interests when I travel are sites of historical significance rather than purely touristy things like "World's Largest Glass of Apple Juice" or whatever.
I assume it won't be hard to find a decent place to get lobster in Maine or clam chowder in Massachusetts or buy a bottle of maple syrup in Vermont. But I need to know what else there is to do. Does the Old Farmer's Almanac (based in Dublin, New Hampshire) have any kind of museum or gift shop open to the public? Are there monuments or museums of any kind that I could check out on Daniel Webster or Sullivan Ballou or John Winthrop?
Any suggestions will be welcome. I have no idea how much can reasonably be fit into a single two-week trip, but it will be a long time before I can afford to travel again, and I want to make the most of this.
Posted by anti_maven (Member # 9789) on :
I did a five day trip to Boston a few years ago to attend a wedding. We managed to see quite a lot, despite not having a car.
I would recommend the Plymouth Plantation, even if it's only to interact with the "settlers". We got the train, but if you have a car it becomes even more simple. In Boston itself I would get yourself on one of the excellent walking tours.
Above all, enjoy yourself!!
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Boston = History, history, history
Cape Cod = Cute
Maine = Lobster, trees, history
Rhode Island = Clamcakes and chowdah, beach, history (Newport!)
Vermont/NH = Mountains, pretty
Connecticut = Mystic/Stonington Borough
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
New england, 6 states in two weeks, no problem.
The scales are small. From portland to hartford is only about 250 miles, 300 at the outside. You can drive it in an afternoon, in otherwords. So you'll have plenty of time to drive around and see the sites.
Take a walking tour of boston. Also take a duck tour (ride around in an old amphibious armored landing vehicle, and splash down into the charles river. lots o fun). See the battlefield at lexington and concord. Definetely go to plymouth plantation. Salem, too. Visit the white mountains region in NH. Visit franconia notch. Willowbrook village in maine is a good place to look in on the 19th century. Sturbridge village in central mass can also be fun.
Are you interested in outdoorsy stuff at all? What are the dates of your trip?
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Oh yes, and two weeks is plenty time. It's about four/five hour drive from Maine to Rhode Island, one to two hours between Boston and Providence, three hours between Providence and Hartford. Only a couple more from there to NYC.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
<- Has lived near Boston for five years
Some of my favorite things in NE [Boston-biased, naturally]: - Freedom Trail, Boston, MA; 1 day - Concord, MA literary tour; 1 day - Lexington/Concord, MA first day of the revolution; 1 day *NOTE: if you happen to be here for April 16-19 this could be especially interesting because that's when the reenactments occur. - Portland and Freeport, Maine; 1 day - York/Ogunquit, Maine; 1 day - White Mountains <edit>Green Mountains, whoops. White Mountains in NH are supposed to be nice, but I've never done any hiking there, so I can't say first hand </edit>, Vermont; 2 day - Boston colleges and museums; 1-2 day - Plymouth, MA and Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard; 1 day - North Shore, MA; 1 day
Things I might consider doing, but haven't done and so don't know how long they might take: - Ben & Jerry's tour in Vermont - Maple Syrup stuff - Old Sturbridge Village, MA - Town meeting in NH *NOTE: With all the politicking going on right now; you could probably meet one of the major presidential candidates if you wanted to - Amherst, Holyoke and Springfield, MA
As for travel time, it takes me about 1.5 - 3 hrs to drive from Boston to Portland, depending on traffic and 1.5 - 2.5 hrs to drive to Hartford. That's direct, no stopping, but I think you could easily map out a route with about 1-2 hrs drive every couple of days and comfortably see much of NE in 2 weeks.
Good luck, and let me know when you're in the Boston area.
[ April 03, 2007, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: SenojRetep ]
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
There's a large Hatrack clump in the Boston area (Myr, you in town yet?), so let us know when you are swinging through the Boston area and maybe we all can put a shindig together.
Two weeks ought to be fine. I would take a day's diversion to Acadia National Park north of Portland if you could. There's a bunch of nice hiking trails, Bar Harbor is a fun little town adjacent, and it gives a great feel for the geology and habitat of New England (think lumpy, rocky, with an ocean nearby ). It may not be a "Wow" moment for someone from out west, (and north, in your case) but still can be interesting.
Spend some time in Maine, Lake Winnepesaukee (I know I spelled that wrong) in NH, or the White Mountains area. The green mountains/Lake Champlain/Burlington in VT is nice (and so is Ben & Jerry's). Western MA has the Quabbin reservoir, which supplies drinking water to most of the eastern part of the state. It's beautiful, and an engineering marvel. On the North Shore of MA, I'm biased towards my hometown of Newburyport. It's gone ritzy, but it's a beautiful example of an old New England city/town, with the white steeples, the boating, and lots of old graveyards going back to pre-Revolutionary War times. In fact, if you are an HP Lovecraft fan, there's this guide of the north shore and Boston of some sights. I, of course, could give you more interesting points of interest, if you were going to visit it for more than a day.
For Boston, I think 2-3 days are sufficient, if you include Cambridge in the mix. The museums are good (Museum of science, Aquarium, and what will be the newly renovated Children's Museum), the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fogg Museum at Harvard, Isabella Stewart Gardner museum... As well as all the historical stuff like the freedom trail, Paul Revere's house, Old North Church, both the old and the new state houses. The North End is a great place to get some Italian food. Beacon Hill is the super nice part of town (behind the new state house), and the Boston Common and Public Garden are historical and a blast. You can do a Fenway Park tour, or if the Sox are in town, try and get a ticket to one of the best ballparks in existence.
Almost anything you want to do in Boston is walkable or T (our bus/subway system) accessible, and honestly, for an out-of-stater, using them will be much easier on your psyche. Driving in New England, particularly eastern MA, is a shock to most strangers. The roads do go straight, one-way streets abound, you never know when a rotary will appear, and the drivers are all impatient Yankees who feel they have much better things to do than to wait even an extra half-second after a light has turned green.
The trick with the Cape is that almost anything you can do there (aside from Plimouth Plantation, which isn't really one the cape) you can do easier on the North or South Shores of MA. Plus, getting on or off the Cape can eat up the better part of the day, especially if you try on a weekend.
As for the rest of new england, there are others, like Myr, who are better suited to explain them. I mostly go to Connecticut for Foxwoods anyway
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Thanks for the great suggestions, everyone. So now that I know I'll have time to spare, I'll definitely try to work plenty of these into my trip. No way I'd miss the Boston walking tour, and I am quite intrigued by some of these others as well.
Does anyone know if the Samuel Adams brewery gives tours? I have a friend who would kill me if I went all the way to Boston and didn't stop by there.
By the way, are there any White Castle restaurants in New England? Though I am trying to get fast food out of my diet for the most part, I've never been to a White Castle and I've always been curious about it. Those are mostly toward the east, right?
quote:Are you interested in outdoorsy stuff at all?
Depends what you mean. I enjoy a nice hike through the woods or whatever, but I'm no outdoorsman. I'm not much for camping or mountain climbing or anything like that.
quote:What are the dates of your trip?
I'll be arriving in Portland on the 14th, and leaving Hartford the 28th. At the moment, it's too soon to know exactly where I'll be at any specific time in between.
quote:- Town meeting in NH
Do they let outsiders come in to watch? I wouldn't have thought they would, but if they do, I would love to check that out. I am absolutely fascinated by the concept of the town meeting.
quote:There's a large Hatrack clump in the Boston area (Myr, you in town yet?), so let us know when you are swinging through the Boston area and maybe we all can put a shindig together.
That would be cool. I've never met another Hatracker before. It would be great if I could finally be made real.
quote:Almost anything you want to do in Boston is walkable or T (our bus/subway system) accessible, and honestly, for an out-of-stater, using them will be much easier on your psyche. Driving in New England, particularly eastern MA, is a shock to most strangers. The roads do go straight, one-way streets abound, you never know when a rotary will appear, and the drivers are all impatient Yankees who feel they have much better things to do than to wait even an extra half-second after a light has turned green.
That's what worries me most about this trip; I've never driven in an area where the traffic was truly bad before. I must find a way to leave my rental car outside Boston while I myself go in. I don't know if I could actually handle trying to drive inside the city itself.
Posted by Hank (Member # 8916) on :
You might also want to check out the state websites for the states you're visiting. Most states have a "Come visit us, and you can do the following:"-Style site of some kind. Larger cities, like Boston, would also have them, and might also have maps, sometimes including info about public transport and parking.
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
The sam adams brewery does give tours. Supposedly, they are even fun.
If you're going to be here in mid-late april, you'll get to see the leaves come out, especially in southern new england. Its quite a transformation.
I would recomend walden pond, in concord, ma (and just down the street from where I grew up). especially if you can swing it towards the end of the trip, after the leaves are out. Walden pond is about a 2 hour walk if you walk around the whole pond.
You should try to do the re-enactments at lexington and concord battlefields, since you love history (also right down the street from where I grew up). You'll be here at the right time for those.
Drive through the kangamangus highway in new hampshire, between north conway and franconia notch. Its a gorgeous drive through the white mountains of new hampshire. Only takes an hour.
There's no need to actually drive in teh city of boston. You can park at one of the T stations outside the city, and take the subway in. the public transportation website is www.mbta.com Posted by Aegon (Member # 7017) on :
Ironically, NE is too far east for White Castle.... the nearest is in New York state.
As for Boston.... I would personally suggest Alewife Station in West Cambridge. You can park there for 5 bucks a day, and its the terminus of the T's red line. A word to the wise- beware the Charlie card machines, don’t even bother with it, just call over an attendant.
If you are considering going to Newburyport, you should probably just head a few miles north to Portsmouth. It’s a little less glitzy, and has a beautiful area called Strawbery Banke where the settlers first landed- and its directly adjacent to Prescott Park, which is a wonderful place for a picnic... once you shoe off the smooching teens.
If you are heading north of the notches in NH, you might consider the Mount Washington Auto road. Its probably not much of a mountain compared to what you are used to, but on the bright side you can drive up it, and it is the site of the record for worlds fastest recorded wind speed
It makes me shudder to think what you will pay for a decent lobster dinner this time of year. But you won’t have trouble finding a place- as a rule, if you are on route 1 you are no further than 15 miles from a decent place.
And honestly, there is no way you won’t have a wicked good time.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Bok - moved up here beginning of November. I'm in love with the area! And a Boston gathering is way overdue, I think.
Edit: I have also heard good things about the Sam Adams brewery tours, though I haven't done it (yet).
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I don't think you're missing much not having been to white castle.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Aww you'll be there before I get back! I've lived in NH my whole life but, as previously mentioned, I'd never seen a White Castle until I came to MN for college. If I was going to be there I'd add my suggestion of a stop at King Kone which is the ice cream stand where I work (and it's at exit 11 off of Daniel Webster Hwy if you do want to go). Voted the best soft serve in NH for a few years in a row now. If you're there, the Budweiser brewery is right down the street, and they also give tours (and they have those great horses).
Other than that, I'll second pretty much everything that others have said. For scenic drives between states my personal favorite is route 89 between VT and southern NH, but that might have a lot to do with me driving it a lot.
As for town meetings, I've honestly never been to one, but all the towns I've lived in have been large enough that no one would notice that you're an outsider unless you said something about it. And I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't let you in...
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
So... The Lexington and Concord reenactments are on April 16 (Monday). I'll be going to the Lexington reenactment, and if you'd like to go with me you are welcome (open to anyone else who might want to go, as well). There are also some reenactments and parades on the 19th (Thursday), but they aren't as big.
I propose having dinner at Jasper White's Summer Shack near Alewife station. I took a big out-of-town group there not too long ago and found it worked well. The food is pretty good, pretty indicative of Boston, and it's not crazy busy or difficult to get to like some of the restaurants in the city. It's also family friendly, which would be important for me if I wanted to bring my wife and kids along (wife's a lurker, kids are too young). Of course, I'm open to other proposals as well.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
PS, I should mention the Lexington reenactment starts at 5:45 am. I'll be leaving around 4:45 to get a good vantage point.
The Concord one also starts early, but not as early. However, it's a rememberence ceremony, not a full reenactment, IIRC.
I'll post a link to the reenactment schedule later today, if I remember.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Well, Verily, I'm certainly glad you are not leaving Alaska on the same week I'm ARRIVING there, or I would be very offended at the idea that you left on my account! (June 1).
Have a great trip to New England! Always travel when the opportunity presents itself. I think there is no better way in the world to learn.
FG
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
There's a list of events on or around Patriot's day at www.battleroad.org.
Also, April 16 is the day of the Boston Marathon. Personally, I could take it or leave it, but I know a lot of people like to go and see it.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
PErsonally, I think the Summer Shack is mediocre. I'd rather go to a more local place on the coast (north or south shore). Same food, and probably cheaper
But it is only about 10-15 minutes from my apartment...
As far as Patriot's Day, it's a regional holiday, so all the schools and public offices have the day off. Aside from the re-enactments, the Boston Marathon is run that day, and the Red Sox play a game that starts at 11:AM. The reason is that when the game ends, and you walk back to the T, the marathon runners will be running by. It's a cool experience.
Oh, and one thing to try if you have some dead time: candlepin bowling. It's a New England institution.
Portsmouth is nice too, but if you are looking for a day trip, or even just a couple hours to spend, Newburyport is more digestible than Portsmouth (which is a bit bigger).
-Bok
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
BTW, be prepared, particularly in Portland and in Eastern MA, for a major dialect shift. Everything is soda here, unless you want to sound old school, in which case you say tonic. Liquor stores are often called "packies" or "package stores", and another name for a convenience store is a "spa". Subs are subs, or grinders. "Wicked" is an adverb.
-Bok
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Bok-
What's your high score for candlepin.
I've never rolled higher than an 80 (in the 3-5 times I've played).
I volunteer to take all my visitors candlepin bowling (not all take me up on it); it's a lot of fun.
If you have a good local restaurant recommendation, I'm open. Like I said, my primary criteria are easy access and family friendly, but I could sacrifice both of those if people want something else.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I used to play weekly with a roommate, so now, when warmed up, I can average around a 90. My high is 10x (where x is between 0-9 ). A league average is only 100. The best professionals average 125-140.
As for a restaurant, I just didn't want Verily to get the idea that Summer Shack was the best New England/Boston had to offer. Bartley's in Harvard Square has been the traditional gathering spot for the Boston folks, but it is really only accessible by T, and it isn't family-friendly (cramped, no bathrooms).
And dinner is at Summer Shack, it is 2 minutes fro ma big bowling place that has big-ball and candlepin. It's quite as authenticate an environment as Sacco's in Davis Square, but it's more accessible as a result.
Verily: When would the Boston visit be? I don't know that getting into Portland on the 14th and being in Boston on the 16th is advisable. You'll be rushed, and have to trek back out to Vermont or NH after, but you will miss all the Patriot's Day stuff if you don't.BTW, for weather, be prepared for anywhere between low 30s to low 70s, bright sun to torrential rains.
-Bok
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
I might be up for joining the boston clump for an activity I live up in ipswich now, so cambridge is fairly accessible. There are some good family friendly places on rte 1 between here and boston, but not really boston speciality (kowloon, famous dave's, spring to mind).
Back when I bowled, I managed to hit 115 once, but my scores last time were high 80's.
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
I'd drive out from Amherst, MA for a gathering if it was on a weekend or maybe just maybe I'd try on a week day. However if you're out this way there's really fantastic beer bar and we have Emily Dickenson's house. Umm other than that western mass has other stuff that is nice. As for hiking, I know that Mount Monadnock is a great hike and only takes a few hours.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Eastern MA has some pretty good beer bars too But no Emily Dickenson house, 'tis true.
How is Ipswich, Paul? You teaching up there?
-Bok
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
Yeah, I'm teaching at next town over. 8 minute commute Much better then the two hours I was spending in the car every day communting from dorchester.
I love ipswich so far. I am truly looking forward to my first summer here, though... the 15 dollar season parking pass for crane beach is definetely a major perk.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: Oh, and one thing to try if you have some dead time: candlepin bowling. It's a New England institution.
Yet another thing I had no idea was a NE thing!! It's like that time I found out that "bubblers" don't exist outside of southern NE or that there is an "er" at the end of draw. You live, you learn.
Also, I love bowling! I have a really hard time with candlepin, because I used to throw shot-put and my brain just can't wrap around throwing something roughly the same size and weight underhand
Mmmmmm, Bartley's.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
I miss candlepin bowling! Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Bubblers are an all New England thing, not just SE (though at this point, it may only still be in common use in SE New England, you crazy Rhode Islanders ).
Oh, and at this point, Crane's is overpopulated and often very mosquito-y. There are nicer beaches near the NH/MA border (though they are more of a pain to get to
-Bok
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
We were big fans of Crane's beach when we first got here.
That was before we found Wyngershaek (sp?). That's now become our default "day at the beach" place.
<edit>Oh, and the first time a student in my Sunday School class asked permission to go to the bubbler, I was frozen through incomprehension. One of the other nine-year-olds had to inform me she meant the drinking fountain. I had similar experiences the first time someone asked me if I wanted Jimmies on my ice cream, and when the guy at the deli asked me if I wanted "Shahhp" provolone.</edit>
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by MyrddinFyre: It's like that time I found out that "bubblers" don't exist outside of southern NE...
Wait a second. Bubblers exist outside of Wisconsin?! Are we talking about the same bubblers? Water fountains?
If so, my world has officially been rocked. If not, I will continue on my happy delusion. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
You are officially rocked.
Where is Wyngershaek? Is that out in Gloucester/Marblehead/Rockport?
-Bok
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Oops. Wingaersheek is the correct spelling. It's in Gloucester.
<edit>Here's a map.</edit>
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
quote:Visit the white mountains region in NH. Visit franconia notch.
Do that.
quote:White Mountains in NH are supposed to be nice
Close. Winnipesaukee. I second visiting the area, though ice-out might not have happened yet depending on when you're there. A quaint, stereotypical new england town to visit on the lake is Wolfeboro. Also, if you're interested in militaria at all, there's the Wright Museum in town. Though, I'm biased because I used to live there.
quote: I am absolutely fascinated by the concept of the town meeting.
That fascination will abate within five minutes of the start of said town meeting.
quote:Drive through the kangamangus highway in new hampshire, between north conway and franconia notch. Its a gorgeous drive through the white mountains of new hampshire. Only takes an hour.
do that do that do that. seriously. it's fantastic up there.
quote:the Mount Washington Auto road
You'd have to check and see if the road has opened up yet if you wanted to do that. But if you can, it'd be fun.
quote:stop at King Kone which is the ice cream stand where I work (and it's at exit 11 off of Daniel Webster Hwy if you do want to go). Voted the best soft serve in NH for a few years in a row now. If you're there, the Budweiser brewery is right down the street, and they also give tours (and they have those great horses)
Dragon is right on all counts.
quote:I miss candlepin bowling!
I royally suck at candlepin.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
So, d'you have a plan yet, Verily?
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
I just climbed the 297 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument today and I would second the vote to cover things of interest to you on the Freedom Trail. I would also second the suggestion to go on a Duck Tour (you can catch those either at the Prudential Center or at the Museum of Science). They are great fun and nice to get an overview of the historic/touristy things to do in Boston proper.
A beach we love on the South Shore is Nantasket Beach in Hull. You can catch the Harbor Express and get there without a problem. We go more during the summertime but we often find little crab and other assorted marine life in the rocky southern edge of the beach.
I've never been but plan on doing so this summer is the Quincy Adams home in Quincy. People that I've talked to have raved about how interesting it is.
I would also second the Red Sox game and also the Fenway tour. Fun.
Have a great time on your holiday!
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
Ooooh. Yeah, the quincy adams and john adams homeses are good.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Man, am I glad I posted this thread! I have a friend who goes to visit family in Maine every year, and she had some suggestions for what I can do there. And I assumed that it would be pretty easy to find things to interest me in Boston just by following the Freedom Trail. (That's the red line that takes you to all the historical sites, right?) Aside from that, I had no idea what I'd be doing. You guys have given me some great suggestions.
Sorry it's been a few days since I've had the chance to get on Hatrack. This will be long, but there are some specific responses I want to make.
quote:As for Boston.... I would personally suggest Alewife Station in West Cambridge. You can park there for 5 bucks a day, and its the terminus of the T's red line. A word to the wise- beware the Charlie card machines, don’t even bother with it, just call over an attendant.
Thank you! That will be very important to know! I am terrified at the prospect of trying to drive in Boston, and I'm glad to know a specific place where it's okay for me to leave the car. I had been told I could ride a train into Boston, but I didn't know if there would be a problem leaving the car behind if I was going to stay in Boston overnight.
quote:I don't think you're missing much not having been to white castle.
Oh, I'm sure it tastes no better than any other fast food place. I'm just curious about it because, for whatever reason, it seems to have a cult following among its fans. With most fast food places, you either hate it or you think it's okay. White Castle has rabid fans and its own lingo. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I doubt I'll have time to go into New York state, though, so it'll have to wait till some other trip.
quote:If I was going to be there I'd add my suggestion of a stop at King Kone which is the ice cream stand where I work (and it's at exit 11 off of Daniel Webster Hwy if you do want to go). Voted the best soft serve in NH for a few years in a row now.
I'll try to check that out, then. I'm never one to turn down ice cream.
quote:As for town meetings, I've honestly never been to one, but all the towns I've lived in have been large enough that no one would notice that you're an outsider unless you said something about it. And I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't let you in...
I just figured that outsiders wouldn't be allowed in because they might try to sway opinion or vote on things. Since the town meeting is the ultimate in local democracy, I assumed that only locals could attend.
quote:The Lexington and Concord reenactments are on April 16 (Monday). I'll be going to the Lexington reenactment, and if you'd like to go with me you are welcome (open to anyone else who might want to go, as well).
Unfortunately, I won't be able to be in Massachusetts by the 16th. I'll still be in Maine by that point. It's conceivable I could make the 19th, but I'm not even sure about that yet.
quote:Well, Verily, I'm certainly glad you are not leaving Alaska on the same week I'm ARRIVING there, or I would be very offended at the idea that you left on my account! (June 1).
Oh? What are you coming up here for? If you're going to be in Anchorage or the Mat-Su area, and you have the time, we should meet up.
quote:Oh, and one thing to try if you have some dead time: candlepin bowling. It's a New England institution.
Okay, this sparked quite a conversation, so I guess I'd better ask: What is candlepin bowling?
quote:BTW, be prepared, particularly in Portland and in Eastern MA, for a major dialect shift. Everything is soda here, unless you want to sound old school, in which case you say tonic. Liquor stores are often called "packies" or "package stores", and another name for a convenience store is a "spa". Subs are subs, or grinders. "Wicked" is an adverb.
Heh heh. We say "soda" up here, too (we never call it "pop"), though I've never heard it called "tonic". That word makes me think of tonic water, which is just foul.
quote:Verily: When would the Boston visit be? I don't know that getting into Portland on the 14th and being in Boston on the 16th is advisable. You'll be rushed, and have to trek back out to Vermont or NH after, but you will miss all the Patriot's Day stuff if you don't.
I can't be sure yet. I'll definitely have to miss the Patriot's Day stuff, which is a real shame. If I had known about that back when I got my tickets, I'd have scheduled my trip for a week earlier so I could see it. As it is, I would, as you say, be too rushed hurrying down to Boston for that and then back up north to see what I missed.
quote:BTW, for weather, be prepared for anywhere between low 30s to low 70s, bright sun to torrential rains.
Thanks; I was planning on asking about that tonight. What are the chances I'll be encountering snow? (I'm used to driving in snow, of course; but I will be in an unfamiliar car with all kinds of unfamiliar driving conditions--freeways, yikes! --and I do hope I can at least be spared having to deal with all that in the snow. . . .
quote:Why?! They're booooring [. . .] That fascination will abate within five minutes of the start of said town meeting.
They're democracy in action! It's the citizens gathering together to discuss the issues and effect change! Real civic duty type stuff!
(At least, that's my ignorant romantic outsider's view. I have no idea what they're really like, of course. But they're one of the things that make me so fascinated with New England as a region. If I can find and get into one, I will definitely go. I've always wanted to see a real live town meeting.)
quote:So, d'you have a plan yet, Verily?
A plan? No, not as such. I'm starting to chart my first couple of days, but I've never planned a trip before, let alone driven by myself in completely unknown territory, so I can't be sure how much I'll get to, or how much I'll be able to find. I have a horrible sense of direction, and I've never driven on a freeway before, so I'm still convinced that I'm going to miss my exit trying to get to, say, Newburyport, and wind up in Tijuana.
But, I expect I can probably be sure to reach Boston by the end of my first week. I am assuming that a weekend would be the best time for everyone who wants to get together, so shall we say sometime between Friday the 20th and Sunday the 22nd? I'll be bringing my laptop with me and getting online at every available opportunity, so I'll still be able to check Hatrack periodically while I'm down there. So we can go ahead and start planning for it, and I can keep current as I go. Does that sound good to everyone?
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
There shouldn't be any snow by the time you are here, but it COULD happen. Its rare to see snow this late in the year around boston. If you go into the far north in maine, it becomes more likely you encounter snow, but less likely you encounter people Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Of course, Paul saying that, we are getting rain/snow mix this Thursday It's been unseasonably cool this April so far, with temps in the 40s as highs. Normally we'd be in the low 50s. April brings those darn showers in New England, so expect more than a little rain and cloudiness.
I'm trying to think of local foods to try. There's the lobster, of course, but also try some fried clams from Paul's neck of the woods. The sweetest clams come from the North Shore of MA. Ice cream is huge in New England (thanks Abigail!), we are one of the highest per capita consumers of it in the country. Anyone else know some good local foods? I know the local microbrew scene is pretty decent, if you can have/like beer.
Also, pay attention to the people. Coming from as far away as you are, you may be in a great position to truly note and appreciate the differences of people within the same nation. You'll likely find people a bit more rushed here, and as a result, they may come across as rude. I'd be interested in hearing your perceptions, after the trip.
As for driving, as is always the case, if it is snowy/icy/rainy, go slow. Just because the speed limit is 65, doesn't mean you should go that fast.
As for the weekend, I should be available at least part of that weekend.
-Bok
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
quote:Originally posted by Verily the Younger:
quote:If I was going to be there I'd add my suggestion of a stop at King Kone which is the ice cream stand where I work (and it's at exit 11 off of Daniel Webster Hwy if you do want to go). Voted the best soft serve in NH for a few years in a row now.
I'll try to check that out, then. I'm never one to turn down ice cream.
Well, tell them that Jen sent you. And order a large cone.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Who would be able to get together Friday or Saturday night somewhere in Cambridge? I'd be available either evening. I kind of like the idea (still) of Jasper White's and candlepin at Lanes & Games (just up Route 2 in Arlington) although is sounds like Bok and Paul would pretty much dominate me. We could also go someplace near Harvard (like Bartley's) or Tufts and then go to Saccos which as Bok points out, is a less accessible but more authentic candlepin experience.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Well, Bartley's, while traditional(*) for the Boston Hatrack Clump, is definitely NOT kid-friendly. It's small, cramped, and they have no bathrooms. So if kids are involved, I'd definitely not recommend going there for the group meeting (though on your own, I recommend it, tasty burgers and big frappes). I know the Davis/Porter/Harvard areas pretty well, since I live there, so if people have a preference, I can investigate. I'm not against Summer Shack, it isn't bad, I just don't want Verily to believe the hype!
BTW, a frappe is a milkshake (milk, ice cream) to you, Verily. A milkshake in Boston is milk and flavoring.
-Bok
(*) We New Englanders, despite our liberal bias, like traditional.
[ April 11, 2007, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Great googly moogly! I just found out that Anime Boston is occuring during the weekend that I will happen to be in Boston! So that's at least one day of that weekend spoken for. . . .
As for the Boston clump gathering, anywhere is fine with me. I, for one, won't be bringing any children, so I'll let those of you who know the area decide what place would be best. As long as I can find it, I'll be there.
quote:BTW, a frappe is a milkshake (milk, ice cream) to you, Verily. A milkshake in Boston is milk and flavoring.
Okay, that's different. Just so I don't sound like a total foreigner, is that pronounced "frap" or "frappay"?
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
The former. You'll find some places still call it a milkshake.
-Bok
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
I think friday april 20th would be a great day to do something with the boston clump.
Are we going to treat verily to a boston experience, or a new england experience? The two are different.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Since we'll likely stick to being in town... A Boston experience? I nominate Paul to be Verily's spouse!
-Bok
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
My girlfriend might object Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
It's all okay in KA-RAAAZY Massachusetts
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
I think Friday the 20th would work the best for me, as well. I'll leave it to you guys to decide what a true Boston experience is (well, maybe not Bok; I'm a little too red-state to marry a dude ), though of course you must show me this candlepin bowling. Of course, I haven't even been regular bowling since I was about four, so. . . .
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Noooooooooooo, Fridays are very, very difficult for me >=[
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
At least you'll be around! I'm stuck out here in Minnesota until May!
(Hope you have fun Verily)
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Excuse me, but one is not "stuck" in Minnesota. One is thrilled to be fortunate enough to be able to spend time in the magnificent state of Minnesota.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: Since we'll likely stick to being in town... A Boston experience? I nominate Paul to be Verily's spouse!
-Bok
Wouldn't that be the Provincetown experience?
Myr: would Sat. be significantly easier for you? How inconvient would that be for Paul and Verily? What about sarahdipity, who earlier said she would come from Amherst if it were on a weekend? Like I said, I'm relatively open either night.
Also, if the consensus is somewhere like Bartley's, that's also fine by me. I'm the one who brought up the desire for a "family-friendly" meeting place, but I'm perfectly willing to let that go (and honestly my wife would probably be relieved not to have to drag the whole family along for the evening. Maybe I could even convince her to get a baby-sitter).
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
quote:Originally posted by ElJay: Excuse me, but one is not "stuck" in Minnesota. One is thrilled to be fortunate enough to be able to spend time in the magnificent state of Minnesota.
Oh. Right. That's what I meant....
When does the Minnesota clump have a party?
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Saturday is probably easier for me, since I need to be at work and stuff. Also gives us more time to give advice about things to do.
-Bok
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Well, the other thing about Bartley's is that it isn't near candlepin We'd have to go to Sacco's, which is fine on a weekend afternoon, but possibly more problematic on a weekend night. Sacco's just isn't that big. Plus I hate cosmic bowling.
Of course, if Verily is committed to the 4/20 date, we'll just have to improvise
-Bok
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
I'll be out of town on the 20th, missing the fun and forfeiting my opportunity to become real.
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
I would probably not come out on a friday as that means leaving here late and getting there around 7 and then driving back alone late at night after only being in the city 3-4 hrs. However, no one only knows how lazy I am going to be that weekend so plans should not be made around me. I'm guessing the Boston clump could meet for dinner and something afterwards. But for a tour of the city most people couldn't ditch work on a Friday. And you can't tour the city w/o light.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
I'm not committed to Friday. I have room enough to be flexible; if Saturday is better for the majority of people, I'll go along with that. I certainly don't want a bunch of people to have to be left out just because Friday is slightly more convenient for me. Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: Oh? What are you coming up here for? If you're going to be in Anchorage or the Mat-Su area, and you have the time, we should meet up. [Smile]
I'm coming to Alaska because I can! And because I've always wanted to. And because I have cousins there.
Current plans have me in Anchorage on May 28th, and again on May 31st - June 1 (in between that time I'll be in Denali).
So, Verily, send me an email (in myprofile) and give me some contact info for you if you want me to say hi while I'm up there.
Have a great time on your trip to New England!
Farmgirl
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dragon: Oh. Right. That's what I meant....
When does the Minnesota clump have a party?
Awwww, you're sweet. Unfortunately, neither Ryuko or Traveler seem to be around much anymore, so the MN clump is basically you, me, and people related to me. So that's not much of a party. I'd be happy to meet you for lunch or dinner sometime, though, and if it's dinner Enigmatic might join us. (I work in downtown St Paul, so meeting someone in Mac/Groveland for lunch would be easy. Enig doesn't.) You're just here until May? I don't think dkw, Bob, & the little one will be up before then, but maybe we can all get together next fall when you're back and have a real party. If we time it carefully, twinky might be here, too.
But I'll stop hijacking the thread, email me through the forum if you'd like to get together before you leave, or we could start a new thread if you'd like to try to lure out some of the MN lurkers. Have fun in New England, Verily! I'm jealous. Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
We've done bartley's twice. We should find something different.
Saturday may or may not work for me, its my birthday, but am celebrating my birthday with family later on, so... it sorta depends.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Sarah - and this goes for anyone - if you came down on Friday you are totally welcome to crash at my apartment, my roommates and I have couches and a sleeping bag and a floor mattress.
Friday isnt impossible for me (gah my CTRL-F Find thing in firefox keeps coming up every time I use an apostrophe so sorry for the lack of them!!), I would just get out of work at 7ish, possibly later, so Id probably have to join the party late is all - so I guess its not difficult so much as unsure about times (hooray design profession), Ill just be late Saturday is wide open for me.
For restaurants, what other suggestions do we have? Places that can hold a crowd that are sure to have food that everyone will like... Theres Sunset (at BU)... Silvertones downtown has great food but it might be too bar-y. Tavern in Central... John Harvards? Ohh, I really enjoy Border Cafe (Harvard Sq). Thats all I can think of, I dont know my restaurants very well.
Dragon - we ll have to have a gathering when youre around! I dont think Ive seen you since Bartleys, like, four years ago!!
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Oh- and theres that AMAZING gormet pizza place across from Border Cafe. The booths are big and cozy.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
This is true. And problematic. I will be home for quite some time though so we can plan a summer clump reunion.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Well, I think avoiding a bar would be preferable, out of deference to senoj (he being LDS). Border can be a madhouse on a weekend night. There's the "Japanese Mall" in Porter that has a Japanese restaurant, plus 4-5 mini-restaurants of various aspects of Japanese food (a sushi place, ramen, and a couple more).
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
None of those are exclusively bars, but I was trying to think of places with the right atmosphere which is hard since my establishment-experiences are mostly related to, well, bar-hopping. Anyway, I eat at that sushi bar at least once every two weeks (I used to go every Monday with a coworker whose internship recently ended, boo). I'm addicted to it. I've been meaning to try that Japanese place to the back and right (with the fish tank).
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Okay, I've finally managed to get online. For a while, it looked like I might not get to have Internet access while I was here, and then I'd have looked like a real jerk simply not showing up to the gathering.
So I've been in New England since yesterday afternoon. Things I've learned so far:
-It's a pain in the nether regions trying to connect your laptop to the Internet from a hotel room if you don't have a wireless card.
-Posted speed limits on the highway are for the amusement of locals rather than, you know, slowing people down. Driving north on the Maine Turnpike this afternoon, a not-particularly busy road at the time, in the pouring rain, with a posted limit of 65 mph, I had to drive at 80 just to keep people from tailgating.
-New Englanders are psychic and don't need to be told what road they're on. How else to account for the almost total lack of road signs? My GPS will tell me to turn right on such-and-such a road, and I won't know where that is. I'll cruise right through the intersection where I was supposed to turn because the name of the road wasn't marked anywhere! What the crap!?
-Sales tax is a pain. Why does anyone put up with it? Supposedly Anchorage used to have it, but the people voted it out a long time ago, so I've grown up paying the listed price for everything. I don't like having to pay more than ten dollars for a book which is marked "$9.99".
Aaaanyway. Now that I've got Internet access again, I can check Hatrack periodically and see what further developments have been made in planning the get-together. All I really need to know is where and when we're meeting so I can be sure to show up. Directions to the meeting place would be very helpful, too, since I'll be arriving in Boston on the T with no idea where I am. Other than that, all I can say so far is that Maine is wicked pretty, and I'm looking forward to the get-together. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
True, I was thinking about our non-drinking folks though. If they're cool with it, John Harvard's is a good time. Myr, we need to hang out more. We live about a 5 minute walk from that place.
-Bok
[ April 15, 2007, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
John Harvards and sunset both SERVE alcohol, but aren't really hard core drinking locations ( at least until after about 8:30). Its simply a part of the entire resturant, I think.
And if necessary would could probably make it a non-alcoholic gathering. Those two places are both good even without the beer.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Verily, be careful the next couple days, it's going to get ugly with the Nor'Easter out there. But aside from that, welcome!
New Hampshire has no sales tax, but has a meals tax.
Don't be pressured on the highways, especially those two-lane ones. Just stay right, at the speed you are comfortable with. Most people cruise at about 10MPH over the limit. Also, the mid-atlantic is worse than New England where drivers ignoring the speed limit are concerned.
As for meet up time, what day is easiest, and what time is preferable. If you park at Alewife (recommended), then you can get to my neck of the woods in 5-10 minutes on the train, and Harvard is a couple minutes more than that. Boston itself is about 25 minutes on the T from Alewife Station. Also, mbta.com is pretty nice, but ignore the times for subway arrivals/departures. They just run back and forth as necessary, you can't count on the times.
-Bok
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
What's the sales tax in Maine? When you grow up with it, you just get used to tacking it onto the price of whatever you buy. Here we just know that 99 cents is a $1.05.
quote:Posted speed limits on the highway are for the amusement of locals rather than, you know, slowing people down. Driving north on the Maine Turnpike this afternoon, a not-particularly busy road at the time, in the pouring rain, with a posted limit of 65 mph, I had to drive at 80 just to keep people from tailgating.
This I just sort of assumed was the rule pretty much everywhere. Imagine doing that on Michigan roads..oy. Boston scared the hell out of me when I was there. People drove like they were trying to win a race and people just crossed the street ASSUMING that cars would stop. I don't know how people don't die in droves there. When I went to Indiana, I was warned to follow the speed limits or I'd get pulled over. Come to find Indiana drivers are bi-polar. Half of them go 10mph below the speed limit, and the other half drive 10mph over. Did a lot of weaving during that drive.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
In Eastern MA, there are some unwritten rules. Basically, at any light, watch for anyone trying to make a left turn. If they are creeping just before the light changes, odds are they are going to make a break for it. As for pedestrans, its always safe to cross in crosswalks, but if they see a gap in traffic, they will walk out there, assuming the traffic will stop. They assume that the drivers are paying attention to what's ahead of them (rightly or wrongly).
-Bok
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Gyah that's crazy!
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:Verily, be careful the next couple days, it's going to get ugly with the Nor'Easter out there. But aside from that, welcome!
Thanks! Yeah, I've been hearing since I got here that a storm was headed this way. I even heard that flights out of Laguardia were being cancelled today because of the weather. That's the airport I went through yesterday. Talk about close!
quote:As for meet up time, what day is easiest, and what time is preferable.
The general consensus seems to be that Saturday is better. As for what time, that's up to everyone else. If we're meeting Saturday, then I'll already be in Boston--I'm arriving Friday or earlier regardless of when we're meeting. So I can basically meet any time.
quote:If you park at Alewife (recommended)
That's the plan. Now, does "five dollars a day" mean I can leave the car there overnight? I already know I'm going to be at least three days in Boston, so should I get a hotel near Alewife and go back to Boston every day, or leave the car at Alewife and get a hotel in Boston?
quote:What's the sales tax in Maine? When you grow up with it, you just get used to tacking it onto the price of whatever you buy. Here we just know that 99 cents is a $1.05.
I don't know. I just pay whatever they tell me to pay. I'm not good enough at math to just think, "Hm, that's x percent higher than the price tag states."
quote:This I just sort of assumed was the rule pretty much everywhere.
To an extent, sure. I'm not going to say Alaska drivers are any good. Most of them don't even seem to know how a four-way stop works. I just thought it was excessive to have to go fifteen MPH over the limit just to keep everyone off my bumper. Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
John Harvard's sounds fine to me. I appreciate the sensitivity to the alcohol issue, but I don't mind bars all that much. And I'm good any time on Saturday. What about 6:30? And I guess Bok, Paul, Myr and Sarah have met each other before, but Verily and I won't recognize anyone; how will we find each other?
Do people want to go bowling afterward? Or pool?
Parking at Alewife is (IIRC) $4.50/24 hours, although it may be $4.50/calendar day (i.e. if you stay past midnight you get charged for a second day). You can park there overnight.
The three closest hotels to Alewife I could find were:
Cambridge Gateway Inn (*this place looks like a dump when I drive past it on Route 2; I've never been inside, so I don't know what it's like. It is, however, very conveniently located near Alewife and major Routes) 211 Concord Tpke, Cambridge, MA (617) 661-7800
Hawthorn Arlington Hotel Suites (*This is on Mass Ave, which means there's easy bus access to Cambridge; assuming there's parking at the hotel, you wouldn't even have to drive to Alewife. Just walk out your door and onto a bus) 1 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA (781) 643-7258
Best Western Hotel (*Don't know anything about this one. When I saw where it was I thought, "Hunh, there's a hotel there?") 200 Alewife Brook Pky, Cambridge, MA (617) 661-1370
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
The Best Western is probably the best combination of habitability and affordability. It's down the street from Alewife. It might have it's own parking, so you can save 15 bucks or so I'm up for bowling, or whatever. 6:30 is probably good, unless we want to show Verily the town a bit. Well, the first time we all got together, we all awkwardly and surreptitiously glanced at each other, hoping we were the Hatrack crew. I recommend meeting outside of the main Harvard Square T exit, by the info booth(which is pretty much right in front of you, slightly to the left as you exit to the street.
I'll be the non-descript Bostonian. (What? Not helpful, well saying I'm the 5'10" white guy with brown hair doesn't exactly help either )
-Bok
[ April 16, 2007, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
I may or may not be able to make it saturday night. I hope to, but my mother decided that was a good day to come see my new place. As I said, its my birthday, so it will be touch and go.
If I can't make it, I cede my conversational rights to Bokonon.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Just wanted to point out Verily's usage of the following phrase:
"Maine is wicked pretty"
Good job! Welcome to New England!
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Wow, Verily's got a good grasp of New England, already I have never been to John Harvard's but it sounds good to me. Also, bowling's ALWAYS welcome.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Okay, 6:30 at John Harvard's for dinner, with possible Sacco's bowling afterward, though it will be cosmic bowling, which kinda blows.
If you are going to be in town already, Verily, let us know, some of us might be able to meet early and do something.
-Bok
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
This is one of the few times I wish I still lived in MA. Have fun, and know Jenni and I will be wishing we were there.
Bok, when are you going to come visit FL?
Just don't make plans to do it with Myr, she fibbs.
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
I officially will not be able to be there. Sorry guys. Have a great time.
We'll have to do one up in my neck of the woods during the summer when we can beach.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Buy me the tickets, and I'm so there, man.
We aren't big Florida people. We went to Ft. Myers/Sanibel for a wedding a couple years ago, and were not too impressed. The gated communities weird us out.
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Okay, good to be back in a hotel with Internet access again.
Between the storm, my own incompetence at traveling, and the fact that my GPS died yesterday, leaving me stranded in Nashua, New Hampshire for twenty-four hours until a new one could be delivered to me (thank you, Avis!), I am terribly behind schedule. I hardly had time to check out any of the suggestions for New Hampshire, although today I did manage to get an ice cream at King Kone. (Order the big one, my eye! Even the small was friggin' huge! ) I had a small mocha cone, and it was very good. And then I headed to Concord to fill my gas tank, and then took the I-93 all the way up into Vermont. So I'm fairly sure I saw the Kangamangus Highway; if it is the part I think it was, then I agree that it's very pretty. It reminds me of the drive toward Anchorage on the Seward Highway back home.
As for the next couple of days, I must be in Boston on Friday morning, which means I will be spending tomorrow night either in Boston itself or, probably more likely, at a hotel near the Alewife Station. My intention is to spend at least three days in Boston, which means I'll be there all day Saturday. So anyone who wants to meet me before 6:30 is welcome to do so, since I'll be around anyway. For the moment we'll have to assume that the time and place for meeting will be frozen at wherever it stands as of the time I leave this hotel tomorrow morning. If I can manage to get a hotel tomorrow night from which I can get on the Internet with my crusty old non-wireless laptop, then I'll be sure to get on and post something tomorrow night, and we'll know I'm okay to receive updates right up until Saturday morning.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Sorry you're trip isn't going more smoothly, Verily. I hope the next few days are better. The weather at least should be improving.
So, I'm planning on meeting Verily, Bok and Myr at the info booth outside the Harvard T station at 6:30 on Saturday. I'll probably be wearing an English style hounds-tooth flat cap (I generally wear it wherever I go, and it's distinctive enough that people can recognize me in a crowd). Hopefully I'll be bringing my wife along, if I can convince her to get a babysitter for the night. Otherwise I'll be flying solo. And just because I'm paranoid about not being recognized, here's a picture of me (notice the flat cap) and family from last Christmas. See you there.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Stranded in Nashua? I am SO sorry. We call it Trashua out in the suburbs...
I'm glad you got to the Kone though - with the flooding I was worried that it might not be open. Last year that entire section of the highway was covered in water for a day or so. And I know the cones are kinda huge (we get a raise the day we make our first large cone that makes it out the window to the customer) but I was hoping you wouldn't wise up and you'd order one anyway. The coffee is my favorite flavor though, so good choice.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dragon: (we get a raise the day we make our first large cone that makes it out the window to the customer)
You know, I can believe it.
quote: but I was hoping you wouldn't wise up and you'd order one anyway.
Well, while I was trying to decide what flavor I wanted, I happened to catch a glimpse of a photo in the window of some young women holding colossal ice cream cones. That was enough of a red flag to make me at least start with the small. Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
quote: Originally posted by Bokonon: Myr, we need to hang out more. We live about a 5 minute walk from that place. [Smile]
Yes.
quote:Originally posted by Kwea: Just don't make plans to do it with Myr, she fibbs.
I still plan to visit you and Disney World!!! Now that I'm finally in a position that I *may* be able to swing the plane tix, I have no vacation time!
quote:Originally posted by Paul Goldner: I officially will not be able to be there. Sorry guys. Have a great time.
We'll have to do one up in my neck of the woods during the summer when we can beach.
Noooo! Just another good excuse for a summer gathering. Have a great birthday!!
mr. Senoj - what a lovely family!!!
During the day I will be interviewing at least a couple people to be our new sublet so I'm not sure how free I'll be (I know we have an appointment at three) so daytime stuff may be out for me, unfortunately.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Man, could I use any more exclamation points in that post?
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Yes. That's only six.
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
I may or may not be there. I of course, natrually, have no idea what's going on in my life however if I do come I'm going to bring random non-hatrack person with me. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I can probably hang out before dinner, Verily. Let us know what hotel you are in, and email me at the address in my profile if you want to coordinate something.
I IMed mack about what was going on, haven't heard anything from them. Myr, can you get in touch with Mike and the gang, see if they are up for something?
-Bok
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
Verily- THe kangamangus is a road between conway nh, and lincoln nh, that is very windy and goes through a national (or state?) park in the mountains. If you took 93 straight from concord to vermont, you didn't see it... although you passed very close to it. Sorry you missed it But yeah, 93 up into vermont is a nice drive.
Sorry I'm not going to get a chance to meet you. Have a good rest of your trip.
Rest: I am tentatively looking at june 23rd (saturday) as a possible date I could host a BBQ at my apartment after a day at crane's beach.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I've got tickets to the Revs game that night, but it could be doable. I love BBQ
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:THe kangamangus is a road between conway nh, and lincoln nh, that is very windy and goes through a national (or state?) park in the mountains. If you took 93 straight from concord to vermont, you didn't see it... although you passed very close to it.
Nuts. Well, maybe I'll have time to go back up into New Hampshire after I'm done in Boston. I'll still have a number of days left, and I currently have very little to check out in Connecticut and nothing in Rhode Island. If I can, I'll head back up there next week to check out things I missed.
Okay, I'm now checking out of my hotel in Vermont and heading out. By tonight I'll be in whichever hotel in the Boston area that I'll end up in all weekend. So the plan, as of right now, is for us to meet up at the info booth at the T station in Harvard Square at 6:30 on Saturday. If I can get on the Internet from my new hotel, then I'll be free to make earlier plans with anyone who is so inclined. If I can't, then I'll see you all at 6:30!
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
You should check out Newport, RI, in the extreme south of the state. Neat town, nice beaches (and the weather is in the 60s from Saturday to Tuesday!
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
It is now inconceivable to me that not even a week ago, I found Portland, Maine to be intimidating. The world holds no fear for me now that I have driven to Hell and back. And by "Hell", I mean Boston.
Okay, I exaggerate for effect. It's kind of crazy, but I've seen (albeit not driven myself in) worse. My only real problem is that I've run out of credit card, and I couldn't find a hotel in Boston that would take cash. Also the Alewife Station had a big sign saying its parking garage was full. I had to make a retreat back to New Hampshire for tonight. That's going to complicate tomorrow somewhat (I absolutely, positively must reach the Hynes Convention Center tomorrow), but it's not like I'm all that far from Boston right now.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Oh no!!! I wish I had given you my phone number, you totally could have had my floor. (we have three extra guests today but we do have a nice floor mattress!!)... I'm sorry Boston had such a bad reception for you!
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Well, like I said, I was exaggerating for effect. Sure, driving in Boston is kind of crazy, but I've pretty much gotten used to the chaotic roads you people have. (Is all this a New England thing, or am I the weird one for expecting that one lane of a road will not randomly wander off, and that intersections are supposed to have traffic lights and street signs? Say what you will about Alaska; at least our road system is simple.) And if I still hate roundabouts and the way Boston seems to like them better than proper intersections, at least I've gotten some practice now and know how to use them.
Now, if I didn't have a GPS, I wouldn't have even attempted Boston. Then again, if I didn't have a GPS, I'd probably be curled up in an alley in Portland right now, muttering strange mad ravings to myself. But the GPS makes even Boston tolerable because, even if all the other drivers are crazy, at least I know I'm heading in the direction I want to be.
All in all, Boston driving is both better and worse than I expected. Now, as for what Boston itself is like . . . um, I don't know yet. I didn't get to get out and look. That's what the weekend is for. I don't know where I'll end up staying, or leaving the car. (If the Alewife was full on a Thursday, it doesn't seem to me that Friday or Saturday would be better.)
I'm wondering whether any of the towns connected to the T would have decent hotels (read: not trashy motels) that accept cash--Cambridge didn't, but isn't that part of the Boston metropolitan area? What about the rest of them? Worcester? Newburyport? Plymouth?
I'm also wondering if there's any kind of adequate parking at or near the Hynes Convention Center so I don't have to worry about stashing my car somewhere before I go. Anyone know?
Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
The hynes has tons of parking. They will chop off your arm so you can pay for it, though.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Alaska's roads weren't laid out by the wanderings of cattle trails
I'd offer my couch but I'm about to leave for work and I don't expect to get back before midnight, so I have no idea how that could be arranged O_o I don't know anything about the surrounding towns so I can't help out there either. My 3oclock Saturday may have been cancelled (haven't confirmed with roommate yet), so if there's any afternoon stuff I mayyyy be able to hang out. And now I'm late! Hope that was coherent!
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
Actually, it will be better on a Friday and a Saturday. It's full because everyone is commuting in to work. You ought be able to find parking there at least on Saturday.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
That's kind of surprising. I thought it would be worse on the weekend because everyone's going out to have fun.
That's academic now, though, because it turns out I won't need to park at the station itself; I'm now at a hotel within walking distance of it. So now I have a place to leave the car, and a place to come back to after tonight's gathering. Now I can finally get out there and see what Boston is like when you aren't just trying to survive the roads.
quote:Alaska's roads weren't laid out by the wanderings of cattle trails
Maybe not, but would it kill you to modify those cattle trails with some traffic lights? Great googly-moogly! How can you have two major roads connecting right with each other and not have any way to regulate when anyone gets to go through? Maybe when people have grown up with it they're just used to it and don't give it a second thought. But I'd be very curious to see what Boston's traffic accident rate is. Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :
"That's kind of surprising. I thought it would be worse on the weekend because everyone's going out to have fun."
There are about 600,000 residents of boston. There are about 2.1 million jobs within the city of boston. Its definetely worse during the week Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
We have stop and yield signs... And rotaries (roundabouts to everyone else ).
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Mike lives in San Francisco now, and I have had no luck with tracking down Suneuns phone number or email address. I wish the Providence-Boston crowd were around more often! Alas and alack.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: 6:30 is probably good [. . .], I recommend meeting outside of the main Harvard Square T exit, by the info booth
quote:Originally posted by SenojRetep: So, I'm planning on meeting Verily, Bok and Myr at the info booth outside the Harvard T station at 6:30 on Saturday.
quote:Originally posted by Verily the Younger: So the plan, as of right now, is for us to meet up at the info booth at the T station in Harvard Square at 6:30 on Saturday.
So, I was at the info booth at the Harvard Square T station at 6:30. Where was everyone else?
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Peter's wife typing:
Bok, Myr, and Peter (and myself until I went home to put kids to bed) were also there at the Harvard T station info booth, and waited for quite a while.
Right now, they're all at Lanes and Games, a bowling alley near Alewife. If you're near there, you can probably catch them there (they were on their way as of 9:30 or so to bowl). Just ask at the desk of your hotel and I'm sure they'll be able to point you to it (and it's probably in walking distance).
Peter is wearing a red polo shirt with possibly a beige sweater overtop and blue jeans. Good luck!
edit: I just got off the phone with Peter again, and they're on their way to Lanes and Games right now so they should be there in 10 minutes or so.
[ April 21, 2007, 09:55 PM: Message edited by: SenojRetep ]
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Oh! I hope you all managed to meet up!
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Gah! So sorry Verily! I was the guy reading and looking around at the info booth. We shouted "Verily" a couple times, and asked some people, but they said they were waiting for other people.
If you want, we could try and meet for breakfast tomorrow. You name the place, and I'll be there. Hopefully that'll make it easier to meet.
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I'm so sorry we missed you!!! I have no idea how that happened!! Someone asked us where John Harvards was and I'm worried it was you, since that means we talked to you and didn't know it! In any case, I gave the poor guy a funny look trying to figure that out. I'd totally be up for a breakfast meetup too, Bok and I could tell you where to check out in Rhode Island Again, so so sorry we missed you, Bok tried to ask every guy standing around if they were looking for us. They all just kind of gave him funny looks.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Going to bed now. Email me at hatrack (at) mikec (dot) 123mail (dot) org if you read this tomorrow morning, Verily. I will check in between 9 and 10.
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Also - I can't find the thread, but Senoj is officially Real! And he's awesome because he carries a harmonica in his pocket.
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
I guess I don't understand where the lines got crossed. I arrived at the Harvard Square station, three stops from Alewife on the red line, a couple of minutes before 6:30. I went up the stairs toward the exit, and saw an info booth on the left. So I stood near it and waited. After an hour or so of nobody coming by who looked like they were waiting for anyone, I gave up and left. I saw no one reading. I heard no one calling "Verily". And the only people who asked me anything was one woman who asked if I worked there, and another who asked if I had found the Lord.
If there is another Harvard Square station, or if there are two info booths, then I can only plead ignorance of this city in my defense for being in the wrong place. I followed the directions exactly as I understood them.
I'd be up for a breakfast meeting. But again, I don't know the area, so it's hard to name a place. I was lucky to find the Hynes Convention Center after getting off at the Hynes Convention Center station. The way this week has been going, I can't even find my own kneecaps without using the GPS. So I sure as heck don't know where a good spot to get some breakfast would be.
The only thing I can think to do is have anyone who wants to meet me in the lobby of my hotel. I'm at the Best Western Hotel Tria, just down the street from Alewife Station. I'll be in the lobby at 10:30. I'll be the short fellow with a goatee, reading a book about Genghis Khan. (It just happens to be the book I'm reading right now, and it seemed like a pretty good distinguishing characteristic. If I see another short goateed fellow with a book about Genghis Khan just sitting around the lobby, I will dispose of him.)
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I can meet you at 10:30 in the lobby. I know where it is. I also think I know where we got crossed. The info booth I was talking about is outside of the station proper. I'm guessing you stayed inside the station? If not, I apologize for not recognozing you.
-Bok
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Hey Myr, if you read this, I'll meet Verily and then we'll head to Davis Square to a place called Johnny D's Uptown. They have a good brunch. to get there take the T to Davis (of course) and leave through the Holland St. exit. Once outside, cross the street, and urn left. Walk down the street a little ways, and Johnny D's is on the right. I'll be leaving my house in 15 minutes.
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Sweet, I'll meet you guys there between 10:30 and 11:00 Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Shoulda checked this before I drove over to the Tria. Cami and I were there from 10:35-11:00 or so, then we went for a walk over at the Mt Auburn cemetary (still a little early for full blossom, but at least the magnolias are starting to come out). Anyway, hope everyone had fun at breakfast.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I love the Mt Auburn cemetary! What a lovely walk Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Hey Verily, what book about Genghis Khan are you reading? I'm in the middle of a great one by Jack Weatherford for one of my history classes...
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Oh, it's a shame you couldn't come to breakfast, Senoj. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet each other this time. It turns out I was at the wrong exit. I thought I had the T all figured out, but it seems there was some nuance that had eluded me. Still, it sounds like you all had fun last night, and I know I had fun today. So all in all, it turned out pretty well.
And since Bokonon and MyrddinFyre were both there this morning, I am now officially real!
quote:Hey Verily, what book about Genghis Khan are you reading? I'm in the middle of a great one by Jack Weatherford for one of my history classes...
It might be the same one. It's called Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, by that very author.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Yep, that's the one! He's a professor here but he's on sabbatical this year so I haven't met him yet.
(I'm glad you got things worked out, and congrats on being real!)
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
BTW, just so it's recorded in the annals of Hatrack history:
Candlepin Scores Game 1 Bokonon: 70 MyrddinFyre: 40 SenojRetep: 50
Game 2 Bokonon: 65 MyrddinFyre: 70 SenojRetep: 69
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
The second game occurred past my bedtime. Plus I didn't bring my own shoes and balls.
Yeah, that's it.
BTW, for all you lurkers, or virtual Hatrackers, Verily continues the streak of "Hatrackers who are not maniacal ax murders" that I have met. Just in case you guys worry about such things when a gathering is being arranged in your neck of the woods.
-Bok
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by SenojRetep: BTW, just so it's recorded in the annals of Hatrack history:
We have annals?!?
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: . . . Verily continues the streak of "Hatrackers who are not maniacal ax murders" . . . in your neck of the woods.
Interesting word choice.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
What can I say, I do my best work unintentionally. My subconscious must be really peeved that it's so much smarter than my conscious mind though.
-Bok
Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :
Well, I came back home while Hatrack was down. Despite a number of disasters and setbacks, overall I had a delightful trip. I want to thank everyone who submitted suggestions, and I especially want to thank Bok and Myr for making me a real boy.
Unfortunately I didn't get to do nearly everything I wanted to. But I did still get to do some pretty cool stuff. I spent seven hours on the Freedom Trail, and really came to fall in love with the Greater Boston area. I hope to move to somewhere near there some day. I still couldn't live in Boston, because the driving and parking situation there is just crazy. But I could easily see myself living in a place like Concord or Plymouth, and it would be easy to get to Boston whenever I felt like it from there.
I did eventually find the Kancamagus Highway. Once I chanced to see a sign giving me the correct spelling, it was much easier to find. And I'm glad I did. It really was a very lovely drive. And I saw it in April of a year with a delayed spring. I can only imagine how gorgeous the area must look in the autumn.
There's still much that I wanted to see that I didn't get the chance to. Hopefully I can rectify some of that next year. I absolutely love New England, and I am aching to return. Even if the people are kind of impatient and don't know how to build a road system ( ), I nevertheless found them, in my limited experience, to be friendlier and more helpful than Alaskans. And though I'm no stranger to beautiful scenery, I was struck by how New England stays beautiful even when you go into a city. It is truly the home of wonderful architecture, especially in its downtowns. In an age when major cities are always made of concrete and steel, the fact that Boston is still made largely of brick made a real impression on me. Though I'd rather remove my own kidneys with a can opener than try to drive in downtown Boston ever again, there's still real pleasure in going there by T and just walking and looking around. I can't wait to go back! Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
quote: Well, I came back home while Hatrack was down. Despite a number of disasters and setbacks, overall I had a delightful trip. I want to thank everyone who submitted suggestions, and I especially want to thank Bok and Myr for making me a real boy.
quote: Unfortunately I didn't get to do nearly everything I wanted to. But I did still get to do some pretty cool stuff. I spent seven hours on the Freedom Trail, and really came to fall in love with the Greater Boston area. I hope to move to somewhere near there some day. I still couldn't live in Boston, because the driving and parking situation there is just crazy. But I could easily see myself living in a place like Concord or Plymouth, and it would be easy to get to Boston whenever I felt like it from there.
Sadly it isn't quite as easy from those places. However, it is quite possible to live without a car, and then you never need to learn streets, just subway and bus routes.
quote: I did eventually find the Kancamagus Highway. Once I chanced to see a sign giving me the correct spelling, it was much easier to find. And I'm glad I did. It really was a very lovely drive. And I saw it in April of a year with a delayed spring. I can only imagine how gorgeous the area must look in the autumn.
There's still much that I wanted to see that I didn't get the chance to. Hopefully I can rectify some of that next year. I absolutely love New England, and I am aching to return. Even if the people are kind of impatient and don't know how to build a road system ( ), I nevertheless found them, in my limited experience, to be friendlier and more helpful than Alaskans. And though I'm no stranger to beautiful scenery, I was struck by how New England stays beautiful even when you go into a city. It is truly the home of wonderful architecture, especially in its downtowns. In an age when major cities are always made of concrete and steel, the fact that Boston is still made largely of brick made a real impression on me. Though I'd rather remove my own kidneys with a can opener than try to drive in downtown Boston ever again, there's still real pleasure in going there by T and just walking and looking around. I can't wait to go back!
Glad you had a blast! We'll have a larger clump this year with the new students, so hopefully it'll be a bigger bash next time.
-Bok
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I'm so happy you like NE as much as we do!!!
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Me too! And if you move/come back that would mean I might get to meet you too!
This however
quote: I'd rather remove my own kidneys with a can opener than try to drive in downtown Boston ever again
cracked me up. I'm glad I wasn't in the library. I'd have gotten odd looks.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
(June 1).![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
That's what worries me most about this trip; I've never driven in an area where the traffic was truly bad before. I must find a way to leave my rental car outside Boston while I myself go in. I don't know if I could actually handle trying to drive inside the city itself.
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
If I was going to be there I'd add my suggestion of a stop at King Kone which is the ice cream stand where I work (and it's at exit 11 off of Daniel Webster Hwy if you do want to go). Voted the best soft serve in NH for a few years in a row now. If you're there, the Budweiser brewery is right down the street, and they also give tours (and they have those great horses).![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
--and I do hope I can at least be spared having to deal with all that in the snow. . . .![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
Still, it sounds like you all had fun last night, and I know I had fun today. So all in all, it turned out pretty well.![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)