Our first path took us to the Boston Metro area for Gary and Jackie’s wedding in Worchester.
Wedding–Ready to toast and dance
- The wedding and reception were held at Tuckerman Hall in Worchester.
- Kim and I enjoyed lunch prior to the afternoon wedding on Grove Street at the Fix Burger Bar. They had a great selection on the menu, and I had the Bison burger—very tasty. The resturants in the area were converted manufacturing centers. It appeared to be a happening place.
- The Bride and Groom own a part interest in a horse and asked me to
- I performed on the trumpet the call to post prior to the bride entering. The assembled all laughed, which was a good thing! It was fun and of course it was listed in the program and no one knew what it meant.
- On Sunday I also played trumpet at our church home in Massachusetts with the praise band. It was fun, and the musicians are very talented.
After the wedding weekend, it was time to visit with some of the people we missed seeing at the wedding. We would like to have seen more of the good people we know in New England but time was against us visiting everyone. We plan to come back and hope to see you on our next trip if we missed you this time around!
Our second path involved food and friends:
- My goal was to eat seafood and this party had lobster, clams and mussels. Labor Day clam bake—great food!
- I enjoyed the eating at the party.
- We even took home a home-grown pumpkin from our friend’s pumpkin patch!
Enjoying a clam bake with friends on a beautiful sunny day, fresh lobster is really a good time!
Dinner near Boston Harbor—again great seafood and more friends. Having dinner on Boston Harbor in the summer is a good time.
- Dinner in Marlborough, MA, our former home town in the Boston area. Good friends and good food.
- Lunches with friends around the metro Boston area as well!
Our third path in the Boston area was some local adventures.
When we lived near Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, we hiked this mountain each Father’s Day. We went up on Labor Day and were surprised at the number of bike riders going up the mountain.
Having lived in Marlborough, MA, and played in a band for the Assabet River Rail Trail opening, we just had to hike along the Assabet River Rail Trail. The City provides bike rentals on the trail but we just hiked along.
- We visited the Lowell National Historic Park and enjoyed our visit. This is the only National Park that I am aware of that gives out ear plugs as you go in to visit the exhibit. Yes, the textile machinery was loud and fascinating. Key hint to the visit—parking in Lowell (and Boston…) is tricky, we were told, and I am passing on to you that you can park for free behind the visitor’s center (see map) and have your parking validated.
Trolly at the park
Start and quitting bell
Park Map
Welcome to the park!
Marchinery = Loud!
Water power for the mills!
To obtain a real sense of American history, a trip to Boston is a must. Having lived in the Boston area for several years and abiding by the philosophy to always be a tourist in your home town, we have seen many of the attractions in Boston and surrounding areas. We have walked the Freedom Trail more than once, taken the duck tour and have been to Fenway Park and other local sporting venues. We recommend all of these.
We were planning a bike ride downtown, but unfortunately it was raining on the day we had planned to ride so we traveled home, stopping at Cooperstown on the way. The Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF) was our last path on the way back home.
- We were able to spend four hours (not enough time) to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. My first idea was to see the Basketball, Baseball, Football and Rock & Roll Halls, but we settled on one for several hours. We had a great time and do not regret the choice.
- Mid-September is the start of the off-season for visits, so we had no issues parking.
- This was our first time at the Baseball HOF in almost 20 years. We were impressed with the use of video and interaction with the staff and the visitors.
- We relived several exciting moments of baseball history and will plan to come back sooner than 20 years.
A few lessons learned.
- People wanted to kidnap Kim to ensure we would move back to the area. We know that we need to visit more often—my last visit was a few years ago and Kim had not been back for over 9 years.
- One couple we ate dinner with shared that as they visit areas with friends and family, they spend the night in their friends’ and family’s houses. Sharing a meal is not enough time to get past general “Facebook” updates, but it is a great place to start.
- We need intentionality around visiting and catching up with friends and family. Local retired friends shared that going out is one way to keep active and to continue encouraging others.
Other highlights:
The trees are already turning colors and the colors look good. We missed all of the trees!
Trees Turning on the road to Cooperstown.
We drove to Worchester (near Boston) around Lake Erie and through New York on Route 90, or as we say, the Mass Pike.
- All new this year is the absence of toll boths on the Pike; they use the New York EZ pass, or will bill your licence plate.
- You do receive a discount by signing up in advance in Massachuttes.
- New York still has the EZ pass lanes as well as cash lanes.
Trip by the numbers:
- Driving: 2,233 miles.
- Hiking/Walking 10.2 miles.
Marlborough Bikes
Retirement Travel with Glen 
Nice to see leaves starting to change color as we are going up camping soon to New York. Nice visit you had up there!
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Glad you made it through the hurricane okay! Yes, the colors are turning early, even here.
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