« September 2006 | Main | November 2006 »

picture of Caffe Tosca from Eatwell website

In a time of low-carb living, I am a minority. I have never met a carb I didn't love!

If you are looking for two great places to fill your need for the great comfort foods with a touch of cinnamon, check no further than 20 minutes south of Boston, Hingham, MA.

As you wind down Main Street in Hingham (gorgeous this time of year), stop off at Atlantic Bagel Co, 282 Main Street, Hingham, MA. As I drive this way to work each day, I can't help but feel my car veer off into the parking lot. Delicious bagels, made fresh daily. I have been going here since highschool (do I dare mention how long ago that was?) so they have been here forever. Bagel perfection-crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. Try the cinnamon sugar ones-Delicious!

A little further down in Hingham, off Rt. 3A is Caffe Tosca. It is located across from the original Tosca restaurant. A little more casual but equally as inviting and delicious. I highly suggest the Pasta Bolognese with a touch of cinnamon. I dream about this meal!
It is reasonably priced with a fantastic, cozy atsmospher. A great date spot.

There are things in New England that mean Fall to me, apple picking, pumpkins, leaves falling, going back to school and the Head of the Charles. According to the HOCR website, it is the world's largest two day rowing event that has been going on for over 30 years.

There is nothing like seeing skullers and rowers alike competing along the one of the pretty rivers with Boston as its back drop on one side and Harvard/MIT on the other.

The Head of the Charles is to me, what the Boston Marathon is to the spring; an event worth experiencing. It will take place on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, with tons of races and activities both days. This is definitely an event for all ages, so bring the kids or get your friends together and take the T to the Harvard T stop and walk along. You are sure to get swept up in the excitement.

Some of the major activities are:

Rowapalooza
a series of concerts from local bands along the memorial drive side of the river at the Harvard T stop.

The collegiate fours and club eights are around 12 on Saturday with the Championship eights happening after 4 on Sunday.

photo from the Cafe Funchal Website

If you are heading by way of New Bedford, MA anytime soon, I suggest you bring your appetite. New Bedford is home to two amazing and authentic Portugese restaurants. (It is probably home to many more based on its population, but these are the only two worth mentioning!)

Café Funchal
1686 Acushnet Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02746
Reasonably priced and serves the best Shrimp Mozambique. I gurantee one bite and you will be hooked.

Cafe Adega
418 Rivet Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
The newer of the two, Cafe Adega has opened in an old department store. The atsmosphere is truly outstanding. Our food was served in a copper pot, the wine was amazing and the dessert to die for. I had the traditional portuguese souffle with portugese crackers and it was a fantastic addition to my meal. The shrimp mozambique rivals Cafe Funchal's, so visit both and do a taste test.

I have yet to find a portugese restaurant in Boston to rival either of these two, so gas up the car, both are worth the trip!

picture of one of the past mazes from the Davis Farmland website

About an hour's drive from Boston in Sterling, MA lies Davis farmland's Mega Maze.

Designed by one of the world's leading maze desingers, the maze changes every day! This year the maze is themed after Hollywood movies. Carved out of corn fields, it is open until Mid-November 10-5pm on Saturday and Sunday only. Tickets cost $12.95 for adults. Getting lost on purpose has never been so much fun!

Our own Salem, MA comes alive in October to celebrate its history as home to the Salem Witch trials in the 1600's. Known as one of America's haunted cities, it seems like one of the best places to spend the days leading up to Halloween. Here are just a few of the places to visit in Salem!

photo courtesy of salem witch museum website

Salem Witch Museum
Salem's most popular museum tells the history of the Salem Witch trials. Beware, can be scary for young children (and adults!).

House of Seven Gables
The house from Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel!
Offering lantern tours on October 7 and 8!

Salem Wax Museum

The Witch House
The only remaining house with historical ties to the witch trials.

If you just can't get enough of the witches, come to Salem on October 27, 2006 for the annual witches' ball! Modern day witches from around the globe will gather in Salem to celebrate at the Hawthorne Hotel. The $150 ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres, tarot card readings, costume contest and more!

Picture taken from the Egremont Inn website

There is something about the Berkshires that is like stepping into an enchanted world. I promise that driving the two hours from Boston will be like embarking on a mini-vacation. I get a similar feeling from crossing the bridges to the cape in the summer. The Berkshires are a wonderful destination in early October because the leaves are starting to turn.

Take a stroll down the main streets in Great Barrington or Stockbridge. Both towns have adorable stores and tiny restaurants that can make you feel like you stepped back in time.

Visit Bartlett's Orchard on Swamp Road in Richmond, MA and make sure to buy the cider doughnuts. They are phenomenal. Bartlett's Orchard also has cider and apples. They do have a pick-your-own apple area, but it is only open until Columbus Day!

If you are looking to spend a weekend away, stay at the Egremont Inn. I stayed here in August when attending the James Taylor Concert and it was unbelieveable. The staff was so friendly and welcoming that you truly felt like you were staying in a friend's house. I must say it was one of the comfiest beds ever! Being slightl off the beaten path was even better. A short ride to lenox and tanglewood.