New England Seasonal: October 2015

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween in Salem

If you happen to be in the New England area for Halloween we highly recommend checking out the activities going on in Salem, yes, the same Salem that is famous for the "witch trials" several hundred years ago. Though be warned, thousands flock to this holiday favorite so go as early as you can! The annual Halloween festival includes everything from local history tours to classic carnival rides.

The town of Salem certainly embraces their history, with nearly the entire downtown area cut off for the carnival. As usual at carnivals, tickets for rides can be expensive, around $6 - $7.50 per ride, and if you're not careful the hosts running the prize booths may trick you into spending a bit more than you planned. It's all for fun though anyway!

Of course no festival in Salem wouldn't be complete without the usual suspects, fried dough, hot dogs and hamburgers are aplenty! While we didn't see as many fried options this year compared to previous years, there were still plenty of traditional fried dough around. Probably best to only order one item at a time though as there isn't much seating and you'll probably end up standing and eating unless you get lucky.

Heading to Salem is probably one of the most exciting activities one can do on a Halloween, especially with children. They offer almost everything that one can ask for, and you get to learn some history at the same time! We highly recommend you go check it out this year!

Monday, October 26, 2015

"USA today boasts Connors Farm as Top Ten Corn Mazes in the country!"

CONNORS FARM CORN MAZE

Located just a few miles north of Boston in Danvers, MA is Connors Farm. The working farm offers everything from apple picking, to pumpkin bowling and everything in between. However, Connors farm has become pretty famous for their extensive Corn Maze-- It has been named a "Top Ten" by USA today. This years theme of the maze is "Wild, Wild West",and it is filled with symbolism, including a jab at the Patriot's "Deflategate" scandal. Being 7-acres it can take quite a while to get through, but it is worth it to try to make it to the end. If you can't make it to the end there are interactive game clues along the way to help you out, or if you're totally lost security officers are placed throughout to help you to an exit if need-be. Another great thing about this corn maze is that on fridays and sautrdays they have it open at night and you can use flashlights! Get down to Connors Farm soon as the maze only stays open till November 1st. I promise you won't regret it if you go!

Where:
30 Valley Road(Rte. 35)
Danvers, MA. 01923

When:
Opening Date: Saturday, September 5, 2015
Closing Date: Sunday, November 1, 2015

Operating Hours:
May to September 4th (Farm Stand)
Sunday to Saturday - 8am to 6pm
September 5th to November 1st (Farm Stand & General Admission)
Open 7 Days – 8am – 6pm

Hysteria Danvers,Zombie Paintball, Haunt Farm & Flashlight Maze
Open Every Friday & Saturday Night in October & Sunday October 11t

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A Quick Overview of the History of Boston by Spero Dimas

Boston is a wonderful, quaint, yet cosmopolitan city that acts as the central hub for New England. It is well known for its medical industry, finance, and tech start-ups as well as for its amazing seafood. Furthermore, it is an international city attracting students from across the global with one of the highest college densities in the world. After all this, the most influential reason people visit Boston is because of its vast history in European settlement of the Northern America.

Boston was founded September 7, 1630, only 10 years after the Pilgrim’s famous venture at Plymouth rock. Located on a natural harbor, it was a perfect place to set up for what would become a booming pre-capitalist colonial economy - a gateway for raw goods to be sent back to Europe to be manufactured into finished goods. Its subsequent betrayal and rebellion for the English Crown gave way to the American Revolution and would forever etch Boston as the birthplace of the United States of America.

Historically minded tourists and locals alike can visit an assortment of attractions that demonstrate the historical importance and resolve of the city. The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot obelisk that sits atop Breed’s Hill; commemorating the new nation’s loss to the British as they inflicted more injuries than the battle was worth. The Battle for Bunker Hill was a pyrrhic victory for the British and resulted in them losing the strategically important city early on in the conflict as their troops were battered and demoralized from the strength displayed by the untrained rabble.

Faneuil Hall may be known today for delicious food on-the-go and street performers juggling on unicycles, but in the decades predating the Revolution and the era after it was a fervent body of revolutionaries. James Otis and many patriots gave speeches here on equality with their English overlords and later on outright splitting from their Union. A stronghold of patriotic presence gave it the nickname the Cradle of Liberty.

Boston has always been and will be a naval hub for New England and as such it has always needed a naval presence. The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy in existence. Completed and launched in 1797, it is one of the first of 6 frigates authorized in the Naval Act of 1794. Made of the toughest of timbers, cannonballs bounced off of its hull, giving it the endearing name Old Ironsides in the War of 1812.

Whether its a ship, an obelisk, or a marketplace, there is something for everyone to see in Boston.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

SoWa Open Market - South End

By Mikayla Wyman

If you're in the area between the months of May and October, SoWa in Boston's South End is an excellent way to spend a Sunday. With many different vendors of all types, there is always something unique and local to find.

SoWa is a district in the South End (short for South of Washington) known for its art galleries, restaurants, shops, and, of course, the open market. The region stretches from Melnea Cass to East Berkeley, and from Washington to Route 93. During peak Market season in the summer months, the tents and exhibits can take up a good chunk of the area!

I went in on Sunday to check out the seasonal fares, and was excited by what I found! As it is the week before Halloween, many of the vendors were dressed up for a Costume Show that the SoWa administrators were putting on later in the day. It was fun, as most vendors dressed as something related to what they were selling! Check out this guy, who was selling garlic and spicy pickles and dressed as a giant dill pickle!

There were three distinct sections this Sunday: crafts, foods, and food trucks. We spent some time in each, but definitely the most in the food section! I mean.. Bourbon Salted Caramel Doughnuts by Union Square Donuts? Hello!

We tasted a lot of different things, like hand painted truffles, smoked salmon, different flavored vinegar, and some delicious hummus. This woman from Sommerville makes authentic hummus, muhhamarra, and baba ganoush!

The real star of the show was all of the fresh seasonal produce. There was everything from kale, bokchoy, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, apples, pumpkins, squash, beets, potatoes, and more. We bought from multiple produce vendors so we could choose the best and most unique items from all of the vendors. Check out the options available:

There were multiple food trucks in the next bay, offering tons of options for people at the market or for those passing by. We saw salads, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, Jamaican food, grilled cheese, fried cauliflower, salads, and more. They were arranged in a square with tables in the middle, so people could choose their food and all eat together.

I got a goat cheese salad and a cranberry pecan grilled cheese - I just couldnt decide! Everything looked delicious, and everyone was so friendly.

I would highly recommend SoWa to any visitor May-October. This season was extra fun with the Halloween costumes and the seasonal fare people were offering (like pumpkin spice caramel corn.. yes, thank you I'll take two). Make sure you carve some time out of your schedule to take a look at the market, and don't worry about bringing cash - most vendors take cards!

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Georgetown Cupcakes

If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth and have a love for cupcakes, Georgetown cupcakes is somewhere that you have to take trip to. It is located on Newbury Street which is very close to Boston Common and the Public Gardens. The closest T stop is Copley.

In 2008, sisters Katherine and Sophie Kallinis traded careers in fashion and venture capital to follow their passion for baking after being inspired by their Grandmother. The opened Georgetown Cupcake store in Washington, DC. Since then they have have expanded Georgetown Cupcake to locations in Bethesda, MD, New York City/SoHo, Boston/Newbury Street, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

They provide you with numerous options to choose from ranging from Vanilla to Peanut Butter Fudge. Each day they have a new selection of specials that are on offer as well as their classics;

Like many places during the holiday season, they also make special cupcakes depending on the holiday and also have different specials for each month of the year meaning you will never be disappointed when you visit.

The price for one cupcake is $3.25, half dozen is $18 and $35 for a dozen meaning they are a little pricy but are defiantly worth the extra money.

They also offer and order service online where you can choose to pick them up in store or have them delivered to your house or even shipped to another state meaning they are perfect for any type of event from a baby shower to a 21st birthday. I mean who doesn't love cupcakes!!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Spectacular Views Of Boston This Fall Season

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The city transforms itself into beautiful scenery of foliage that varies from shades of green, orange, red and yellow. It’s magnificent. This is clearly one of the unique advantages of visiting Boston during the months of October and November.

So I picked some locations to share with you.

Beacon Hill Area:

On Beacon Hill you will be able to visit the Massachusetts State House and its Gold Dome. It’s located at the top of Beacon Hill and overlooks the Boston Common (Train stop: the Red or Green Line at Park Street). Also at Beacon Hill you can find a beautiful residential area full of historical brick townhouses. By the way, Beacon Hill is a prime Real Estate area in Boston. There you find streets such as the one shown in the picture above, traditional narrow streets with cobblestones that make you feel that you are going back in time. Also very close to the State House you will find on Washington Street the Wang Theater where the Boston Ballet performs.

Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

Within walking distance of the Massachusetts State House is the Boston Common and right next to it is the Boston Public Garden. This is a place where you can walk and enjoy the views of this beautiful park. The Boston Common, almost 50 acres in size, is one of the oldest parks in the US This park was a place where numerous historical events happened prior to and after the America revolution. According to the City of Boston website, “Celebrities, including Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II, and Gloria Steinem (advocate of the feminist revolution), have given speeches on the Common.”

Both the Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden are places where people gather to have a picnic or even to play a game of Frisbee with their family or dog. Throughout the year you may find individuals and families getting professional pictures there and you may also find locals exercising at the parks. If you have children there is even a playground where children can play for a while as you appreciate the views of this beautiful park.

Additional Information about restaurants nearby:

- No. 9 Park is part of the Barbara Lynch Gruppo and has been one of the standards for celebrating special occasions among Bostonians and visitors. The menu includes $69 for three-course prix fixe and prices vary for a la carte.

- Teatro can be define as a casual and elegant restaurant in terms of the atmosphere and food.Teatro is in the heart of Boston’s Theater District. A great option before or after performances, it is also an Italian restaurant with a modern twist. Price of entries vary from $30-$61 per person.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Haymarket - The Cheap Alternative for Eating Healthy!

Haymarket is a centrally located farmer's market where you can get almost any and all fruits and vegetables every Friday and Saturday 6AM to 7PM. What's unique about it is that unlike most farmer's market which are generally located outside city centers, Haymarket is right in the middle of downtown Boston!

It's a great place for any urban Bostonian living downtown or any of the neighboring towns. It has its own T stop on the orange and green lines, it's also relatively close to the Park St stop on the red line and State St stop on the blue line.

Living in the city we often find that fruits and vegetables at traditional grocery stores are incredibly expensive. Being a student it's much easier to go for the less healthy food because it is significantly cheaper than buying a whole bag of fresh fruits and veggies. Haymarket changes that completely, their prices are rock bottom cheap. While we were there I purchased a large bag of oranges for $3, three large bell peppers for $2, some garlic for a $1, and most shockingly a pound of strawberries for $1. Yes, one US Dollar for a pound of strawberries. If you're a bargain hunter I believe you can buy up to 3lb for $2, but I couldn't carry that much. I've seen strawberries at the store for at least $4, if not $5 per pound, and sometimes bell peppers will be $3 for one... I think you get the idea.

The deals are unbeatable, and on top of that, the fruits and vegetables are much fresher and this is very obvious once you start to consume them. If you have an unlimited T pass there is absolutely no excuse for not going down to Haymarket at least once a week and picking up fresh vegetables. Depending on how much you buy, even those without an unlimited T Pass may want to consider taking the trip.

The variety of course depends on the season as different fruits and vegetables grow during different seasons. Most of the "necessities" are available year 'round though. On our way out we noticed that there was even a seafood section with prices much more reasonable than their grocery store counterparts.

From the cheap prices to the smiling faces and kind attitudes of the vendors, we highly recommend that any local or visitor go check out Haymarket this weekend if you haven't done so already. It is the place to do your grocery shopping!

New England Seasonal