Plymouth, Massachusetts

I’ve written about Plymouth before, its historic value and the lay of the land and sea. At this time of year in New England, days can seem a bit gray – not “Christian Grey”, just gray:>). I thought it was appropriate to drag you there again, for cheerfulness.

If you live within one-hundred miles of Plymouth, I suggest that you brighten your day with a trip there. The shops are intriguing, and the antique malls on the main street, Court Street, Rte. 3A, are fantastic. After you’ve whiled away the afternoon browsing, there’s any number of places to eat. I favor Blue Blinds Bakery and Cafe on North Street for tea, a sandwich, and the best cheesecake in the world. There are other eating establishments, everything from steak specialty restaurants, seafood, Thai and Chinese. Just about anything you desire is there, and on a Friday or Saturday night, the place is jumping.

Plymouth offers great walking expeditions as you browse, and then delicious meals for nourishment.

It’s great this time of year, very few tourists and lots of bargains. Consider treating yourself to a day of fun and exercise, and a night in the bright lights – the place is dotted with cafes and pubs – something for everyone.

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Maine’s coast, York and Boothbay Harbor

This past week, I visited both York, Maine and Boothbay Harbor. 

If you know Maine’s coast, you’re probably familiar with these wonderful towns.

York is an amazing beach community at the literal edge of a vibrant town filled with places to eat, drink and be merry.  There is also a nice variety of shops – I’m particularly fond of Whispering Sands – they sell quality gifts along with my books !

The beach is a smooth stretch of sand, and there are rock gatherings in particular places if you are a rock freak as I am.  I love looking at the shapes and colors; I like trying to figure out what substance and historic event has formed them. 

Just one hour north of Boston, York is a great day trip or week-long vacation spot.  There’s something for people of all ages.

Further north for another two hours, the Boothbay region is completely different from York.  The harbor town is built on a hill – it is quaint and incredibly picturesque.  Standing at the town side of the harbor and looking across, your eyes will see a variety of boats and in the background, the beautiful Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  It looks like a postcard.

If you enjoy boat rides, there are a variety of tours ranging in time from one hour to several.  The one I like is to Squirrel Island.  I’ve seen seals while on that one-hour cruise – kids love this tour and it’s not so long that it bores them.

In town, the shops are terrific, filled with arts and crafts and other quality items.  Again, I have a favorite store,  Sherman’s.  Their upstairs is all about books and front and center, are mine !  It’s exciting to walk into a very public and busy place and see your name on a book cover.  I like being in the background, home writing, but it’s kind of like The Secret Garden, walking in and seeing your title and name, but no one knows who you are :>) 

Maine is wonderful, there are so many offerings, coastal and internal.  Pemaquid Point is a must-see.  The lighthouse and its surroundings are north of Boothbay, but worth every second in travel time.  No one could ever forget Pemaquid – it is my most favorite place in the world.  Even more so than Paris, France or my beloved England, where we lived for three glorious years.  Pemaquid is the best.  I’ll elaborate more on that place in another blog. 

 

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Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Since I am currently writing a novel based at the center  ( not the outstanding coastline), of the island of Martha’s Vineyard, I am interested in writing a bit about the place.  The novel carries a sense of mystery, as does the location.

Twenty miles long and nine miles wide, Martha’s Vineyard has many scenic offerings, not to mention a coastline stretching for more than forty miles.  Pulling into Oak Bluffs on the smooth, gigantic ferry out of Woods Hole, the nautical wonder surrounds and saturates.  It is enchanting.  And the departure town, Woods Hole, is not a town to miss, since you may choose to leave from there rather than Hyannis – also a great Cape Cod town.  Not to change direction, I would like to point out that Woods Hole is home to the Oceanographic Institute – it is beautiful there and there are some very good restaurants and cafes.

Back to Martha’s Vineyard.  The ferry trip takes an hour or so and is completely relaxing.  Gliding along on that glorious sea, with a cup of tea or coffee in  hand, is a treat.  I would not suggest a book – you’d be missing too much visually and magically – it’s a time to chat with someone you care for, or to dream.

The island is home to six towns : Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, and Chilmark.  Numerous celebrities have homes on the island, but it is also a place for the rest of us – it does not appear to be a wealthy man’s land – it appears calm and welcoming to everyone.

The last time we visited there, we rented a car because I felt drawn to the inner land.  I’d seen the coastal areas from tour buses and on foot, but now I wanted to see what the heart of this island was holding.  I found the center of the island to be the space I favored, which is why I have set my current novel there.  While there are homes, they are more sedate than found at the coast – the land is filled with twisted trees limbs and high-grass fields – I can’t wait to go back there with another rented vehicle.  Soon.

If you haven’t gone, go.  If you’ve journeyed there as I have, but not for a while, go again.  We are fortunate in southern Massachusetts  to live close to our islands – it makes it possible to enjoy more often.  If you are coming to this area, try to fit it in to your schedule.  You will not regret the time and effort in going to Martha’s Vineyard.  I promise.

 

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