#292: Nantucket (pg 650; 2nd Ed pg 813)

 

Aug. 17, 2021

Welcome to Nantucket!

The first thing we did after getting off the ferry was to walk to Cook's Cycle's and rent bikes.

Then we grabbed a bite to eat and cycled all over the island stopping every once in a while to admire the many beautiful, historical clapboard homes.

First, we cycled North and went to Cliffside Beach and Jetties Beach.  In this area, there are many beautiful homes.

Pretty nice digs!

And then we headed all the way South to Surfside Beach (this was our favorite of the three we visited).

Then we headed back into town.

Thank you for the perfect weather and fun, memorable day, Nantucket!

Verdict:  I asked my husband what he thought and he immediately responded, "Yes!" And is already mentally making plans to go back - maybe next time to stay on the island for a couple nights.

My verdict..... I thought it was a lovely island and loved meandering the streets.  I found it to be a mixture of the Hamptons and Block Island.  If you've been to both those places and want to combine the two, then this is your place!  I think the one thing that dampened the experience just a touch for me was how expensive everything was - especially with six people.  Everything on the island is expensive and everything we did was times six.  If things were more affordable, it would be even more fun (we could have stayed on the island, done more activities, etc), but honestly I think that's part of this particular island experience.  It's a playground for the wealthy. And for the rest of us, it's just fun to bop into for a day or two here or there and soak it in.

Cost:  There are two ferries that service the island: Hyline and Steamship Authority.  Steamship Authority is the cheaper of the two, so that is the one we took.  It was $220 for the 6 of us R/T.  Bicycles are ~$30-$35/person per day.  Electric bikes rent for $100/bike/day.  Rental cars (mostly jeeps were what I saw for rent) were $600/d.  There is also a public transportation shuttles that goes all over the island and you can buy a ticket for unlimited rides for $8/person/day.  Beaches are public and free, but none of them are within walking distance of where the ferry drops you off, so you need to purchase transportation to get there and the food/drinks in the beach areas are pricey ($4 for a bottle of water or $3.50 for a can of coke at Surfside beach).  

I'm glad we did this- it was one of the highlights of our week-long vacation for sure!  And we had absolutely perfect weather.  

#291: Brimfield and Sturbridge (2nd Ed, pg 809)

 

Aug. 15, 2021

Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village!

Old Sturbridge Village is the largest living history museum in the Northeast.

It is a re-creation of an 1830's New England community spread over ~200 acres with several dozen authentically furnished period buildings.

The church was one of my favorite buildings.

A sideview where you can see the cemetery as well.

We had fun playing the "olden times" games.

And bopping into all the shops and places of business to see the townspeople in their authentic 1830's attire.

And the animals were cool to see as well - horses, oxen, sheep.

Verdict: This was a nice little stop on our way to Boston and we all enjoyed it, but if you've been to other places such as Williamsburg, then you don't necessarily need to do this as well since they are similar in many respects.  Cost:  $28 for Adults, $14 for kids.  Cost savings are available such as going later in the day for half price or during certain times, they run specials where kids are free with a paying adult.  Allow ~2-3 hours.  

#290: Middle Fork of the Salmon River (pg 622); 2nd Ed pg 783.

 

Aug 7, 2021

We drove to Stanley and booked a rafting excursion with White Cloud, located directly across from the Redfish Lake Lodge mentioned in the book.

Andy time you see an old school bus converted into something else, you know it's going to be a good time!

Our starting point to get on the Main Fork of the Salmon River.

And the adventure begins!

With all those rapids, we worked up an appetite!  So we pulled over....

And soaked in the view while our rafting guides started fixing up a delicious meal.

Our River Guides magically turned into gourmet chefs!

I don't know if you can see it under all that cheese, but they made us seasoned pulled pork, spanish rice, refried beans, sautéed peppers and onions topped with cheese in a big warm tortilla.  They served a side of spinach salad with strawberries and feta cheese and provided appetizers of chips and salsa and watermelon.

Combine that with the view and it was the best meal I've had in ages!

A look at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area surrounding the river.

And no trip to the Salmon River is complete without a dip!

Verdict:  This was the highlight of our trip!  We loved every minute of it!  I will admit here and now, that I messed up on this one.  I looked in the book and saw "Middle Fork of the Salmon River" as the title and then noticed in the description that you start in Stanley.  So, I booked a White Water rafting trip out of Stanley that I knew navigated the Salmon River.  HOWEVER,  after I got there and we started rafting, I learned from our guide that we were on the MAIN Fork of the Salmon River and not the MIDDLE Fork. Whoops!  He also said the only way to do the Middle Fork was on week-long trips averaging $2000/person.  So, honestly, I'm going to call this one day trip on the Main Fork of the same river leaving out of the same town close enough!  And even though I loved every second of this adventure (and highly recommend!!), I honestly think a week might be too much of a good thing, so I'm happy with what we did!

Price $100/person and worth every penny!