I tend to wait way too long on my Favorite Things posts. And then? I have a huge plethora of Favorite Things and I must. tell. you. about. every. one. of. them. This is actually more like a favorite days posts, with a bunch of "things" thrown in there. I hope I don't overwhelm you as I might get a little out of hand. I guess life is just very happy right now!
Gloucester, MA (day trips)
One of my very favorite things is taking day trips and this year Chris and I have decided we want to take as many as possible. There are so many cool New England spots that we can drive to and back from Boston in one day. My schedule is already getting super packed for the Summer, so I'm glad we were able to fit in a trip to Gloucester, MA, last month. I haven't been to Gloucester since i was a kid, so it was fun to be back.
Of course, we had to make a stop at the Cape Ann Brewing Co.
They're the brewery who makes Fisherman's beer and they had tons on tap during our visit. I absolutely loved the Tea Party beer, which is a barley wine consisting of 3 types of tea.
Chris had the Coffee Infused Pumpkin Stout, which was obviously amazing! We ended up buying a growler to take home with us.
Chris started a beer blog at Beeriety.com and is most definitely the biggest beer fan I know. I love it though because it means touring around to breweries and always having a new beer to try.
We asked if they did tours at Cape Ann and they said, "yes!" Well, they did, but Cape Ann Brewery is so tiny, it was the shortest tour ever. Still, it was nice to see the inner workings of the brewery and go on an ultra private "tour."
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Gloucester. Dogtown Books was an amazing used bookstore with tons of unique, first-edition books. Lots of fun cookbooks, too. I could have spent all day there, except when the owner yelled at me because I had my cellphone IN my hand (it was on vibrate and I wasn't on it/looking at it). Meanwhile, his friend's cellphone was ringing and he answered it! I'm not bitter or anything... But when the people who work at a place are downright mean to the customers, it bothers me. I'm smart enough to know you don't talk on cellphones in bookstores, thank you very much.
When we were ready to go home, we stopped and pick up some lobsters, so we could head to my dad's house for dinner. My mom was on a trip, so we went to visit my dad who cooked up the lobster, so we could enjoy a wonderful meal together!
Our New Car
Part of the reason, we wanted to go on a mini road trip so badly is because we just got a new car! Chris and I got a Mini Copper, which were super excited about. It's perfect for the city and I might even be able to park it. Maybe.
Chris had an standard before and I honestly had no interest in learning to drive it, especially in the city! So we got an automatic... But I still haven't driven it 🙂 I haven't had a car since I've lived in the city and I'm slightly nervous, though I love driving in the suburbs. But still, I'm definitely loving the new car!
Playing Tourist in Boston/New England
This past weekend, Chris's mom came to visit us from Virginia. We had an awesome time, showing her around the city and New England area. And playing tourist in our own city, which is always a good time. Our first stop was to The Colonnade where we're getting married. Of course, we wanted Chris's mom to see where the big event will be taking place!
We stopped by the Top of the Hub for a drink (and an amazing view!) and then headed to our favorite spot in the North End, Giacomo's for an awesome dinner.
Of course, we knew we had to take her to Ogunquit, Maine, during her visit, too. Chris has only lived in the Boston-area for a few years, but Maine has quickly become one of his favorite spots. Since I've loved Maine since I was a kid, this is just fine with me. Out first stop was the Cliff House to check out the beautiful ocean views.
I grew up playing on these rocks with my sister, so I always feel so happy to go back.
My mom joined us on our day trip and it was great that our moms got to know each other!
Then we stopped at Barnacle Billy's, of course. There are so many amazing restaurants in Ogunquit, but we honestly go to Barnacle Billy's every single time we're there. We can't help it!
I had my first lobster roll of the season!
And Chris had a lobster.
Rum punch for all!
Chris's mom was super happy (and slightly frightened) the people behind the counter asked if she wanted to hold a 3.5 pound lobster 🙂
My absolute favorite spot in all of Perkins Cove is Perkins Cove Candies. I have such great childhood memories of this place!
And the Marginal Way, of course 🙂
We spent Saturday in Faneuil Hall and touring around a bit before going to my parents' house for dinner. Things got a little wild 🙂
The boys!
And Sunday consisted of a duck tour. Have you been on a duck tour in your city?
I've been on A LOT of tours of Boston and duck tours are by far my favorites. They're always entertaining and super, super informative. And despite the fact that I've been on a ton of them, I always learn something new.
For instance, I had NO idea that Boston is home to the very first jelly bean. I think I died laughing when I heard this because Chris has a huge jellybean addiction. And it's true... Wikipedia says it., which makes it true 🙂
Chris drove the boat when it hit the Charles!
And, so did I. For all the times I've been on a duck tour I've never driven the boat. But to be honest, I was so busy answering the tour guides questions, I didn't even touch the steering wheel once. Awesome boat driver I am!
We took a walk around the Public Gardens and though the day was a bit chilly, I have to say this is the prettiest I've EVER seen Boston. I'm SO happy we got to walk around. Everything was in bloom.
The the city of Boston did such an amazing job planting tulips EVERYWHERE. I've never felt so happy to live here as when I saw how beautiful everything looked. Can this last forever, please? Also, maybe we should have gotten married in May? Tulips are my very favorite flowers 🙂 Has anyone else noticed how beautiful Boston is right now?
We stopped at the new Max Brenner for lunch. And though it was still a bit cold, we decided to eat outside because the people-watching on Boylston Street is pretty amazing.
I really, really wanted a Max Brenner milkshake, but I needed a warm-up so I ordered a Mexican hot chocolate. Good decision. It was perfectly spiced and rich without being overly heavy. LOVE the mug, too!
For lunch I ordered the BLT with avocado (BALT). It was also really good, as were the waffle fries, but I found the prices to be a bit high.
But I think you're really paying more for the cool experience and Max Brenner is a lot of fun.
New books!
Ever since I got my iPad I've been going eBook crazy. I never thought I'd do the eReader thing but as someone who reads A LOT of books (at the same time), it's so nice that I can travel around and have all of them with me. Plus, I can take out library books and not have to pick them up and return them (or get germs... I have library book issues). So, I haven't bought an actual physical book in a long time. But a couple months ago, I was invited to join the Amazon Vine program, which means they send me advance copies (and recently released) of the books I choose. And I'm loving it!
Here's my newest stash. I'm a huge Megan McCafferty fan and am super excited to read Bumped, though it's not a Jessica Darling book. And if you've never read Lisa See, you need to get on that! She's one of my all-time favorite authors and I can't wait to dig into Dreams of Joy. I'm currently immersed in Johan Harstad's Buzz Aldrin, What Happened to You in All the Confusion? Johan is a Norwegian writer and his 2005 novel was just translated to English and I'm SO happy it was. I'm ¾ of the way through and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite books. Harstad reminds me a bit of Milan Kundera who is one of my all-time favorite writers.
Anyway, books make me incredibly happy, so the Amazon Vine program is definitely one of my favorite things! Plus, it's nice to have a stack of books on my bedside table again, and not just on my iPad.
I told you this post was going to be a doozy. I guess it's a good thing to have this many favorite things, right? I actually have several more things I want to add, but um, I think this post is long enough!
Wait, I do have one more favorite thing: Just a couple hours until it's Friday!
OK, now it's your turn- What's your favorite thing right now? I can't get mad if you name a few things. Or write a 5,000 word essay.
[Sues]
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
You and Chris are so cute, I love those photos! Congrats on the new car:-)
Michelle says
This blog post made me smile! And I love that you are getting married at the Colonnade!
Velva says
Wow! That was a lot of fun packed into a single blog post. 🙂 I was loving the journey. The Mini-cooper, its like a little rocket. Enjoy.
Cheers.
Velva
brandi says
love this 🙂 those tulips are beautiful! and the hot chocolate sounds incredible 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
This post brought a smile to my face this morning! I love tulips too, and day trips. And Giacomos. My favorite thing right now are my vintage bracelets that my mom bought for me a couple of years ago 🙂
Colleen C says
My cousin was married at the collonade! So beautiful! I'm from Boston too, it's so fun to be a tourist in a place I've lived my whole life!
Susan says
Great photos and what a fun time you had! You can certainly tell whose moms they are by the way the heads are tilted 🙂
sweeter salt says
I love Ogunquit! I'm totally coveting that lobster roll, I haven't had one this year yet.
My faves include bright yellow, pugs (always) and my bike!
Laura
Bonnie says
Thanks for all the great ideas to do when I come to Boston. Always nice to know where locals take people when they visit.
Favorite things: Cooking, scapbooking and family.
Sarah @ The Pajama Chef says
okay i've been totally trying to decide what to have for lunch..now i know. a BALT sounds fabulous! i love those things, but i've never heard that acronym before. 🙂
emily @ the happy home says
oh, my gosh. i haven't been to gloucester since i lived in beverly as a kid! they're such neat little fishing towns. & one of my first days at college, a duck tour drove by me on the way to class. the driver said, "and now we're driving past my alma mater, emerson college!" i had to laugh-- it's kind of the perfect job for an emersonian.
looks like you've had a lot of fun in the past few weeks! congrats on the new car!
Kelly says
What a fun bunch of stuff! I agree with you, I love day drips around New England. It's one of the things I'm missing a lot now that I'm living in the Midwest because it just isn't the same here. I don't know that there are as many cute daytripable cities here. :-/ And the first lobster roll of the season, also envy worthy. And Max Brenner. Why does Chicago not have one. Okay, enough jealousy for one comment.
Michelle Collins says
I love Cape Ann Brewing Co.! One of my favorite things right now is "Modern Family" - I just started watching it, and now I am hooked! Such a hilarious show.
megabrooke says
every time you write a post, im more convinced that you and chris and matt and i need to hangout, better yet... go to a brewery! our men love beer! i LOVE perkins cove and barnacle billy's! also, isn't gloucester a dry town? i remember that from a couple years ago... we did a race there and afterwards were dying for a beer at a local bar, but couldn't find one! thank god for the brewery!
megabrooke says
oh, and my favorite thing right now... hmm.... i think weeds on netflix!
maiah says
loved this one! also, incredibly jealous of your first lobster roll of the season - way to start it off with a bang! oh, and thanks for making me homesick 😉
Barbara says
Don't think I have ever seen tulips quite the color.They are gorgeous. I love Boston too...my daughter went to college nearby.
I am madly jealous of your Mini Cooper. My favorite car. I would love one, but still need the space of an SUV. 🙁
[email protected] says
I love being a tourist in New England! From Kennebunkport to Portland to Gloucester and Newburport and Newport, I love all of the beautiful towns, great beer, and great food to be had! I love this post!
Elina (Russian Bites) says
You are so good at day trips. I am embarassed to admit that I've never taken any EVER. Well I think there were a few trips to RI when we were looking for a wedding venue but that goes in the forced day trips category (although still fun!). I need to make this more a priority this summer. There are so many great spots in New England!!
Haley says
Ooh, I'm so glad you did this post because my hubby + I are taking a trip through New England next month and I'm looking for ideas (the hub loves beer too!!!).
Anyway... a few of my faves right now: Doc Martin's of Maui SPF 30, purple sweet potato salad, + podcasts!
peachkins says
the lobster roll looks fantastic and I love max brenner too!
briarrose says
Wonderful post...looks like everyone had fun. 🙂
Vanessa says
Totally jealous of everyyyything. I gotta try that hot chocolate at Max Brenner now... And I heard Bumped is really good. I loved Jessica Darling! I'll check out Lisa See too....
Kelly says
Other than the fact that you are an amazing cook who loves cooking- we are very alike haha. These all sound like wonderful favorite things to me!
Daisy says
you have been having so much fun lately!! boston is SO pretty right now. i love it!
[email protected] as a Lofthouse says
Love this post! I will definitley be telling my hubby about Chris' beer blog! My hubby is a Beer freak!! : )
Sherilyn Palmer says
you look so happy in these shots. looks like heaps of fun!
Maria @ Scandifoodie says
Love your photos - so happy and lively! 🙂
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says
I love that picture of you with the girls getting a bit wild! Silly 🙂 so cool getting a private brewery tour. Jacob and I are in a home brewers club in be joining the club for an 'excusive' tour at an old brewery in Portland next week. So excited!
Kerstin says
Awww, so glad you've been enjoying the city and family 🙂 And your mini is so cute - Apolinaras would like a mini even though I keep telling him we're too tall for one, haha 🙂
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says
I love the Boston area so much! We have family that live in Boston and I always love to go and visit them. That lobster roll looks incredible! 😀
auto.ru says
Nice topic - respect !
[email protected] says
What a great trip!! I'm still dreaming about coffee infused pumpkin stout. Wow. I'm going to tell my boyfriend(also a Chris) about your Chris's beer blog. He loooves beer and would prob find it really cool!
Susan says
Susie, this post is so awesome. And because of you, I'm getting off the couch right now to walk around and enjoy our beautiful city. Thanks!
Bee says
This makes me miss Boston like no other 🙁
Audrey Ellen @ My Scene and Herd says
Well since you included a BALT in your post, I will have to say one of my favorite things that I enjoyed recently was a BELT (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato) from Danish Pastry House in Medford. So I guess you can say that we both love acronyms?!
Lizzy says
I love this post!! So many great things. You make me want to jump in the car now and explore beautiful new england. we really live in such a gorgeous place and thanks for reminding me of that. I still have never been on a duck tour and I need to do that : )
Bridget says
So much to say!! First of all I think Chris and Brian (my husband) would get a long great, since they're both beer fanatics. Brian and his friends plan out little trips every summer just to visit as many breweries as they can in a long weekend haha. We've been wantting to go to Cape Ann, but last time we were in Gloucester we had the dog with us so that was a no-go, but I need to just replicate your day with beer and Lobsters!!
Love the car!! I really want a Mini cooper!! Esp automatic 🙂
Again, jealous of the lobster conusmption...we used to go to York, ME all the time growing up too.
And while I was having tea with my mom on Saturday at L'espalier, we noticed Max Brenner through the window and I was telling her how I neede to try it. 🙂
lena says
hi sue, it must have been a lovely trip for you and chris and i can feel your excitement reading this post!that mini cooper is cool! i dont know how much it costs there but over here, it's an expensive car..over usd58K. My fav thing now..after this, i'm goin to get myself a piece of toffee cream cake and glue to the tv later..
Jeannie says
Oh I love this post of yours, really enjoyed reading and looking at the beautiful places that you visited....not to mention the delicious food you had!