July 22, 2021 – Stanley Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts. Stanley Park is a non-profit, privately owned park, that is approximately 300 acres in size. It includes: gardens, trails, playing fields, and a duck pond. The park was established in 1945 by philanthropist Frank Stanley Beveridge.

We had a fun adventure to Stanley Park. I had been to this Park five years ago with Shadow and Buster and was eager to visit again. Several gardens in the park are off limits to dogs but overall it is dog friendly. On our visit we walked around and enjoyed the many unique aspects of the park including: the covered bridge, Asian gardens, the “mill shop”, waterfall, ponds, the “meeting house” and bridges. The park was very quiet, although there was some construction going on in the garden. Wilma and Gus enjoyed some leash play, parallel stick chewing, and of course exploring their new environment. Wilma participated in some grassy rolls as Gus watched wagging his adorable little tail. Although the park was much smaller and less colorful then I remember I was very pleased to return. So glad we could visit Stanley Park (Rating: 4).

July 17, 2021 – Kimball Farm, Carlisle – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Kimball Farm, Carlisle. Kimball Farm has fifty flavors of homemade ice cream and provide picnic tables for seating. Kimball Farm has four different locations between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is a family run business.

We had a tasty adventure to Kimball Farm in Carlisle. Today was a fun day, we had a two hour family walk in the morning, and both Gus and Wilma had their own private adventures. I cannot remember if we have been to this location before but decided to blog about it without checking. I was excited to get some ice cream, and take Wilma on this adventure. We arrived to find a busy location, but all windows open creating quick services. Wilma made some friends with some little ones quickly rolling over for some belly rubs. I ordered a coffee frappe and Wilma ordered her traditional dog ice cream (haha). Due to the quick influx of other dogs I decided to let Wilma appreciate her ice cream in the car, on her knew luxurious new car cover. She devoured it quickly and had no complaints. I was not overly impressed with my frappe, but was glad to have a refreshing treat. So glad we could adventure to Kimball Farm, Carlisle today (Rating: 3).

June 26, 2021 – Massachusetts Central Rail Trail/Northampton Bikeway – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to the Massachusetts Central Trail Trail in Florence, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail is a partially completed rail trail that runs from Northampton to Boston. It was a little confusing researching this Trail but it appears that the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail has numerous other titles based on which area and/or town you are traversing. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail currently consists of 51 “open” miles and is growing as trails are being added but the plan is complete it throughout the original 104 mile railroad line.

We had a family-filled Adventure on the Central Rail Trail, also appearing to be the Northampton Bikeway. We were thrilled to spend the day with family, including my aunt and uncle who were on this Adventure. The portion of the trail we walked along had artwork on the path and mostly weaved through the woods, adding well needed shade on this warm day. There were signs on the path that gave a estimated time in minutes to various locations. During this Adventure we also walked on the loop around Look Park (however I decided to blog about Look Park today). It was so wonderful to have the company of my aunt and uncle, two very special people in my life. We walked, talked and enjoyed our time. There were dog walkers, bikers, and walkers, many quite friendly as they passed us by. We located a map of the Rail Trails, which I look forward to studying for a future Adventure. So glad we could enjoy this new Trail with fabulous company (This blog will not be rated).

June 5, 2021 – Neponset River Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Neponset River Reservation in Boston, Massachusetts. The Neponset River Reservation is a State Reservation which extends from Milton to Boston. It runs along a natural inlet and has several playground on the route. It is popular for walking, biking, boating, and fishing.

We had a warm Adventure to the Neponset River Trail. This is a Trail I have read about for some time and today was the day for us to check it out. We arrived at 7 am to find a mostly empty paring lot at Neponset Park. We began our Adventure by wandering out on the dock into the River, and soon headed out on the Trail. The Trail was simple, but quite green, and we were often greeted by guests. We walked both directions to attempt to see as much as possible. There were lots of wild flowers along the Trail, murals throughout the tunnels, and some nice views of some boats out in the River. We even found ourselves passing a subway station, Wilma was quite curious, but did not seem phased. We walked for about 1.5 hours but it was definitely a hot one, so Wilma enjoyed some shady grass lounging and rolls along the way. Nothing too exciting, but always glad to enjoy a new Adventure with my Wilma Mae (Rating: 3).

May 28, 2021 – Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar in Groton, Massachusetts. Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar sells home-made ice cream, lunch, and dinner. There is outdoor seating for dining, and take-out is also available.

We had a tasty Adventure to Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar. Both Wilma and I were quite thrilled to have our first ice cream Adventure of the season. We were pleased to arrive with no line. Johnson’s did not have any dog specific ice cream but recommended soft serve vanilla for my sweet Wilma, and I ordered a sherbert drink. Wilma watched her ice cream very closely on the counter, hopeful girl. After our order was filled we headed to one of the many seating options up on the shady hill. Wilma inhaled her ice cream while I sipped my refreshing drink. It was amazing watching how fast her ice cream was gone! Johnson’s was simple, no fancy decor, but had great options for seating, some in the shade, some in the sun, and a more formal patio area. This made the perfect environment for us to enjoy our treat. So glad we could visit Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar (Rating: 3).

May 9, 2021- Charles River Esplanade – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, Massachusetts. This park is three miles one way and runs along the bank of the Charles River Basin. Small footbridges connect a strip of land and the pool of water sometimes known as the “lagoon”. The Esplanade is a popular area for walker, runner, and bikers. It is a a well known destination for concerts and fireworks at The Hatch, and includes(s): playgrounds, a boat launch, a cafe, and endless benches.

We had a perfect-weather Adventure to the Charles River Esplanade. I was thrilled to finally make it to the Esplanade, not the easiest place to travel to if you reside out of the neighborhood. We parked at the parking garage at the Boston Common, followed a map to find the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge (over Storrow drive) and we finally ARRIVED! The Charles River Esplanade had gorgeous views of the city, colorful signs of spring, row boats and sailboats floating in the River, and lovely footbridges. We even saw some ducklings, swan, and a lost bunny! The area was bustling with people, a busy location on this beautiful day. Wilma loved checking out the smells of the city, trotting along, posing, and of course ended the walk with some rolls. I think I was the only one taking photographs, but could not resist capturing this location in snapshots. We spent about three hours walking at this location, a nice change of scenery (Rating: 4).

April 17, 2021 – Fiske Hill Loop Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Fiske Hill Loop Trail in Lexington, Massachusetts. The Fiske Hill Loop Trail is approximately one mile trail that loops through a wooded area. It is part of the Minute Man National Historical Park. Fiske Hill is known for being the location for the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775.

We had a rainy Adventure to the Fiske Hill Loop Trail. I have always been curious about this Trail so we decided to go for a walk there before heading to our formal destination. As my New England friends and family know we had a late snow storm yesterday, receiving about three inches in my area. However, most of the snow had melted, so we were left with mud, and some slippery snow on this little hike. However, weather, nor trail conditions, rarely stop us so off we went. We began our walk over a small bridge and stream and then headed into the woods. The trail was a bit confusing at places, and several times we went off on what might be side trails before returning to what was the suspected loop. The trail was somewhat dull, but we were pleased to walk in a new location. There were some open fields, rock fences, and some green peering under and over the snow in parts. Wilma loved the new smells, and oddly seemed a little uneasy but once we began walking on one of our local favorites she was back to her confident self. Glad we finally got to check out the Fiske Hill Loop Trail (Rating: 2.5)

April 14, 2021 – Cloverdale Conservation Land – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Cloverdale Conservation Land in Littleton, Massachusetts. Cloverdale Conservation Land is a small property of just 20 acres. The property includes wooded terrain, a boardwalk through the wetlands, and an open pasture. The main loop is less then one mile in length.

We had a peaceful Adventure to the Cloverdale Conservation Land, a property that I have been curious about for some time. We arrived to find ourselves the sole visitors to the property. We began the walk down the boardwalk, headed into the woods, and then looped around the wetlands before returning to the car. The walk was very short, but a perfect time to catch up, observe nature, and appreciate signs of spring. I loved the boardwalk, and several additional wooden bridges. Throughout our walk we spotted cat tails, horse tails, daffodils and what we guessed may be swamp marigolds. We even noticed two otters swimming through the wetlands, and a gorgeous blue bird feasting at one of the feeders. So much nature in just a very short walk.

Wilma was excited for the new smells, and was so hopeful that she could chase the otter through the wetlands, her second otter spotting in just one week. She loved walking, and was sure to keep an eye on her Grandma with every step she took. So glad we could visit Cloverdale Conservation Land today (Rating: 3.5).

April 10, 2021 – The Gropius House – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom and I adventured to The Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The Gropius House is a Historic New England home, the former home of Modernist architect Walter Gropius and his family. Walter founded the German design school known as the Bauhaus. The House is currently a museum, and tours are offered for a fee.

We had a simple Adventure to The Gropius House. We were pleased to have my Mom with us on this Adventure, a stop on the way to our main destination. The Gropius House had a unique structure, as expected being the home of an architect. We walked around the home, and the grounds searching for color, and details. We found some beautiful signs of spring, and a lovely rock fence framing the property. It was a surprisingly warm, and gorgeous day. So glad we could check out The Gropius House today (This blog will not be rated).

March 29, 2021 – Mystic River State Reservation – Massachusetts

Mystic River State Reservation is a publicly owned nature preserve that includes the towns of Medford, Winchester, Arlington, Somerville, Everett, and Chelsea. The Reservation is located on the Mystic River, and is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is popular for walking, sailing, and biking.

We had an unexpected Mystic River State Reservation. We were going to be in the area, and I was quite pleased to find the Reservation. We parked at the beach, and spent about 1.5 hours walking, and walking. We trotted along the River and found some trails here and there. The sun was beautifully setting throughout our walk, reflecting perfectly in the River. The Reservation is definitely an urban setting, however there were moments where the sounds of birds , and the peace of nature overtook the noises of the city. On our walk we located several swans, a stone arch bridge, and lots of perfect scents! There were many dogs off leash but did our best to stay in the quieter areas of the Reservation. We are still in the brown season of Massachusetts but I was pleased to see small glimpses of green. Although I did not have my camera with me on this Adventure, still decided to share. Glad to enjoy an evening walk with my girl (Rating: 3).