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mommar wrote:

drunkpirate66 wrote:

mommar wrote:It's Gloucester, pronounced glaw ster.... not picking on anyone, just FYI!
And as far as Salem goes, my personal opinion is that you need to be interested in history to appreciate what Salem has to offer. I just like some of the architecture

Salem is a sh*t hole. If I were going to the North Shore I would hit Ipswitch and Newburyport. Head out to Plum Island and go to the Parker Reservation which is like 7 miles of dirt road that has some of the best beach scenes in the United States. After, go hit the Black Cow and sit by the water . . . maybe catch some live music at the Grog.

,

It depends what the visitor is looking for! IF the visitor is into history, there's stuff he/she might like in Salem. IF the visitor is into hanging out at the beach, then heading to Plum Island as you suggest, is a fabulous idea. (and it's Ipswich,no t.) IF the visitor is into "painting" and wants to see the most often painted building in the America, they might want to head to Motif #1 in Rockport. IF the visitor is interested in the Revolutionary War, they might want to go to Lexington and Concord.....I could go on, but I won't, I hope you get my point.

The visitor now has the names of some towns in the area. All this visitor needs to do now is know what he/she is interested in, "Google", and make up his/her own mind, end of discussion.

mommar wrote:It's Gloucester, pronounced glaw ster.... not picking on anyone, just FYI!
And as far as Salem goes, my personal opinion is that you need to be interested in history to appreciate what Salem has to offer. I just like some of the architecture

SwissParrotHeads wrote:Hello everybody!

First of all, my apologies for not answering back for so long, not meant to be rude! I was just pretty busy lately...

Second, many thanks for all the good and interesting suggestions! Especially on some taverns I might visit...

My plans so far are:

Tuesday - arrival early afternoon, get car, drive to hotel (John Hancock, 295 $ for two nights), Common, Boston Downtown
Wednesday - Duck tour, Freedom Trail, Quincy Market area, shopping...
Thursday - Salem (maybe), Cape Ann area (just mailed the Crows Nest in Gloucester for a room, read some funny reviews )
Friday - drive down to Foxboro, some shopping in a nearby mall, hotel check- in (Comfort Inn F'boro) meeting some new and interesting BN pholks and hopefully a nice concert in the evening...
Saturday - no clue what to do on a Saturday near Mansfield MA... or is there anything planned ah right, some tailgating and a concert, I almost forgot...
Sunday - somebody mentioned the Beachcomber in Wellfleet. (no hotel as of yet)
Monday - some history, since this is my very first visit to the USA I thought I'd visit Plymouth and the Plimoth Plantation where the very first visitors set foot on land a while ago... or so I read. (no hotel as of yet)
Tuesday - drive back to Boston, maybe some last shopping or a visit, check- in 2:30 pm, and byebye USA

A question about the sunday trip to the Beachcomber: Where do you guys stay, somewhere on the cape, or do you drive back to the Mansfield area? Thanks for clarification on that.

Again, thank you all for your good suggestions, and I hope to see some of you in June, others maybe in November, who knows?

Phins up, Mike

P.S.: I'm neither a weirdo (ok, maybe a little at times...) nor a communist, but I'm surely interested in a little more then beaches, bums 'n beer!

MacPhin wrote:Okay, Mike.. Forget Salem. The traffic is a PAIN... If you like history, get it in Boston. All the stuff that is in Salem that deals with the infamous Witch Trials is hokey and not worth it. The only good things in Salem are the colonial houses ( which one can see in other towns with less traffic), the little plot for the so called witches and the Peabody Essex Museum. The PEM is full of shipping/trade history from China to Salem. There are other areas of interest also.

I would suggest all the things that Jon, Mo and Chip have recommended. I don't recommend the Crowes Nest in Gloucester as a place to lay your head. However, it's up to you. There plenty of other places in Rockport & Gloucester.
You may also consider not renting a car and driving to the hotel. You will be paying to park your car and the rental the days you don't use them. If you need a car for a day here and there, rent a "zipcar", or just a car for the day. You could easily spend 60-$100/day for a car to sit in a parking garage. The hotel or an agency could get you a car for those days. Take a taxi or the subway/bus to the hotel. The subway system, the "T", is really very easy to use to get around Boston. If you need info let me or Ravi know. I lived and went to college in the Back Bay section of Boston so I know it pretty well.

If you go to the North End and want the best pizza, go to Pizzeria Regina. They only take cash, and for dinner there is usually a line. Make sure you go to Mike's or Cafe Paradiso for a cannoli ("leave the gun, take the cannoli's") or better yet, a lobstertail (that's a pastry).

Mo and I know the North Shore well so let us know if there is any other info you might need.

You must visit The Cape and come to The Beachcomber in Wellfleet whether it's with our group or not. If you need more info, Jon and I know that area also. Oh, also a little history tidbit. The pilgrims landed in Provincetown (tip of Cape Cod) first and then went to Plimoth. Provincetwon is a great people watching town. However, it won't be in full swing yet but you should check it out if you go to the Cape.


I think you might need a rest after this trip!

tigzoe wrote:The Crow's Nest actually has rooms there?! I figured it was something that was made up in the movie.

So what ARE the plans for Beachcomber. I don't think I ever heard.

gunthermoose wrote:

tigzoe wrote:The Crow's Nest actually has rooms there?! I figured it was something that was made up in the movie.

So what ARE the plans for Beachcomber. I don't think I ever heard.

As it stands now Sunday is beachcomber day...

tigzoe wrote:

gunthermoose wrote:

tigzoe wrote:The Crow's Nest actually has rooms there?! I figured it was something that was made up in the movie.

So what ARE the plans for Beachcomber. I don't think I ever heard.

As it stands now Sunday is beachcomber day...

And some are staying over somewhere on the cape and others are heading home?

MacPhin wrote:Sunday I believe is the day. However, I'm still planning on going out to the beach on Friday. If peeps want to go out to the 'Comer for a while, we could be persuaded. I think we're waiting to see what the timeframe/lineup is at The Sandbar.

Note, the lot closes real early on Sunday and it's the first Sunday that the 'Comer is open..which means if it's a sunny day,the place will be PACKED!!! The actual beach will be fine.

I can't wait for that weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.

chippewa wrote:If you're a walker (Boston is a great city to walk), take the Freedom Trail. It's a self-guided, marked trail that covers many of the historic sites. Most of the stops are free to tour. It's a great walk even if you're not all that interested in American history, because you'll see a lot more than that along the way. Boston Common (the large park in the center of the city), the downtown area, Quincy Market area, the North End, Charles River and much more. We did this on our first day the first time we visited Boston, and you really learn you way around the city and see several places that you'll want to go back to.

And yes, there are taverns along the route, so plan accordingly.

As ScarletB said, if you get a day or two to visit Cape Cod you'll like that, too. Lots of small beach towns and great sites to see.

ScarletB wrote:

MacPhin wrote:Sunday I believe is the day. However, I'm still planning on going out to the beach on Friday. If peeps want to go out to the 'Comer for a while, we could be persuaded. I think we're waiting to see what the timeframe/lineup is at The Sandbar.

Note, the lot closes real early on Sunday and it's the first Sunday that the 'Comer is open..which means if it's a sunny day,the place will be PACKED!!! The actual beach will be fine.

I can't wait for that weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.

Yup the Vt'ers are coming down on Thursday and depending on what goes on Sandbar wise I think we may be persuaded as well to have some lobster rolls and goombay smashes on Friday at the 'Comah.

tigzoe wrote:

ScarletB wrote:

MacPhin wrote:Sunday I believe is the day. However, I'm still planning on going out to the beach on Friday. If peeps want to go out to the 'Comer for a while, we could be persuaded. I think we're waiting to see what the timeframe/lineup is at The Sandbar.

Note, the lot closes real early on Sunday and it's the first Sunday that the 'Comer is open..which means if it's a sunny day,the place will be PACKED!!! The actual beach will be fine.

I can't wait for that weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.

Yup the Vt'ers are coming down on Thursday and depending on what goes on Sandbar wise I think we may be persuaded as well to have some lobster rolls and goombay smashes on Friday at the 'Comah.

Hhmmm...planning on heading down early on Friday. Have to hit the boarder to stock up on refreshments, then will head down. Let me know if things become more definitive for the day at the Comer....um, sorry...Comah.

MacPhin wrote:Okay, Mike.. Forget Salem. The traffic is a PAIN... If you like history, get it in Boston. All the stuff that is in Salem that deals with the infamous Witch Trials is hokey and not worth it. The only good things in Salem are the colonial houses ( which one can see in other towns with less traffic), the little plot for the so called witches and the Peabody Essex Museum. The PEM is full of shipping/trade history from China to Salem. There are other areas of interest also.

MacPhin wrote:I would suggest all the things that Jon, Mo and Chip have recommended. I don't recommend the Crowes Nest in Gloucester as a place to lay your head. However, it's up to you. There plenty of other places in Rockport & Gloucester.

MacPhin wrote:You may also consider not renting a car and driving to the hotel. You will be paying to park your car and the rental the days you don't use them. If you need a car for a day here and there, rent a "zipcar", or just a car for the day. You could easily spend 60-$100/day for a car to sit in a parking garage. The hotel or an agency could get you a car for those days. Take a taxi or the subway/bus to the hotel. The subway system, the "T", is really very easy to use to get around Boston. If you need info let me or Ravi know. I lived and went to college in the Back Bay section of Boston so I know it pretty well.

If you go to the North End and want the best pizza, go to Pizzeria Regina. They only take cash, and for dinner there is usually a line. Make sure you go to Mike's or Cafe Paradiso for a cannoli ("leave the gun, take the cannoli's") or better yet, a lobstertail (that's a pastry).

Mo and I know the North Shore well so let us know if there is any other info you might need.

MacPhin wrote:You must visit The Cape and come to The Beachcomber in Wellfleet whether it's with our group or not. If you need more info, Jon and I know that area also. Oh, also a little history tidbit. The pilgrims landed in Provincetown (tip of Cape Cod) first and then went to Plimoth. Provincetwon is a great people watching town. However, it won't be in full swing yet but you should check it out if you go to the Cape.

I think you might need a rest after this trip!

SwissParrotHeads wrote:Hello MacPhin

First of all, thanks a lot for all your suggestions!

MacPhin wrote:Okay, Mike.. Forget Salem. The traffic is a PAIN... If you like history, get it in Boston. All the stuff that is in Salem that deals with the infamous Witch Trials is hokey and not worth it. The only good things in Salem are the colonial houses ( which one can see in other towns with less traffic), the little plot for the so called witches and the Peabody Essex Museum. The PEM is full of shipping/trade history from China to Salem. There are other areas of interest also.

I'll have to look into the PEM in Salem, sounds like this could interest me.

MacPhin wrote:I would suggest all the things that Jon, Mo and Chip have recommended. I don't recommend the Crowes Nest in Gloucester as a place to lay your head. However, it's up to you. There plenty of other places in Rockport & Gloucester.

About the Crows Nest in Gloucester: I read that it might not be the cleanliest place, but it sure is the cheapest, 65$ plus tax... I stayed in a 'suite' in a city called Tanta, in the Nile delta in Egypt last year which wasn't very clean, but as long as there is a shower I don't really care. And the Crows Nest is described as a place to get in touch with locals what I look forward to.

MacPhin wrote:You may also consider not renting a car and driving to the hotel. You will be paying to park your car and the rental the days you don't use them. If you need a car for a day here and there, rent a "zipcar", or just a car for the day. You could easily spend 60-$100/day for a car to sit in a parking garage. The hotel or an agency could get you a car for those days. Take a taxi or the subway/bus to the hotel. The subway system, the "T", is really very easy to use to get around Boston. If you need info let me or Ravi know. I lived and went to college in the Back Bay section of Boston so I know it pretty well.

If you go to the North End and want the best pizza, go to Pizzeria Regina. They only take cash, and for dinner there is usually a line. Make sure you go to Mike's or Cafe Paradiso for a cannoli ("leave the gun, take the cannoli's") or better yet, a lobstertail (that's a pastry).

Mo and I know the North Shore well so let us know if there is any other info you might need.

I know that it doesn't make sense to rent a car fot the time in Boston. I only did this because I got a good price for the package, airfare and car, on ebookers. 1111 $ total is ok for a week, tried to get it wothout car for the first two days, but wasn't succesful.

MacPhin wrote:You must visit The Cape and come to The Beachcomber in Wellfleet whether it's with our group or not. If you need more info, Jon and I know that area also. Oh, also a little history tidbit. The pilgrims landed in Provincetown (tip of Cape Cod) first and then went to Plimoth. Provincetwon is a great people watching town. However, it won't be in full swing yet but you should check it out if you go to the Cape.

I think you might need a rest after this trip!

That's for sure!

Got the reservation confirmation of the Southfleet Motor Inn in Sout Wellfleet for sunday to monday in the snail mail today!
And for my last night in Massachusetts I booked a room in the Comfort Inn in Rockland.
So now I'm all set and ready to go!

See you in June!

Saltx3 wrote:Thanks for all of the info everybody. We just got tickets today for our virgin GW trip and are looking forward to meeting all the BN Pholk and getting into Boston and the surrounding area for the first time.....

see ya soon!

Saltx3 & PA Parrot