Fall Break Back East

We had a great time back East for Fall Break! (October 18-23) It was my first time and it was a perfect time to go! The fall colors were beautiful! Everywhere we went, the trees were changing (such vibrant colors) and I love the New England style house!! Just like a kid would draw! If I ever build my own house, that is what it will look like!

We flew in on Monday and got there pretty late. They are 2 hours ahead of us, which really threw things off. (It made it really hard to get up early)

Tuesday we just hung out with Jarom's sister. She has 1 kid in school, so they normally stay close to home. The live in a suburb of Boston (Ashland). We looked up a "family farm" to go pick apples and get some homemade cider. When we got there, it ended up being just a farm store. Oops. But we got some real maple syrup, sweet apple cider, apple butter, and an apple crisp. Later we went for a hike around a lake close to their house. It was amazing to see how the east coast compares to the areas we are use to seeing out here. It was really beautiful. My favorite part was the bright red leaves and the real acorns. I was just like a little kid- picking up every bring red leaf off the ground. They started little by little, but pretty soon they were covering the ground. By the time we got back to the car, I had a whole collection of "pretty leaves."

Wednesday Jarom's sister took their girl out of school (it was only half day) and we did the Freedom Trail through Boston. I really like seeing the USS Constitution (a navy ship from the War of 1812). It was amazing to see the size of the ship! I got some awesome clam chowder at Quincy Market and bought myself a Boston sweatshirt!

USS Constitution - Used in the War of 1812

Statue of Paul Revere - If you don't know who he is, open a history book!

Thursday we went down to Newport, Rhode Island. It is a coastal town for wealthy people to escape to for the hot humid summer. They have about 10 houses/properties that you can tour that are all from the early 19th century. We only had time to see 2, but I could have spent all day down there!! The most impressive house was called The Breakers. It was owned by the Vanderbelt's and is the definition of the Gilded Age. It was AMAZING!! That is a whole different level of wealth that I can barely understand. It was massive made of marble and steel and all the walls were hand carved and every little detail is extravagant!! I suggest google-ing for pictures of the inside because we can't take pictures while you are in there. http://www.newportmansions.org/page10001206.cfm

The front of The Breakers

The back of The Breakers

Friday we traveled to Concord. It was the PERFECT little New England small town!! When we were driving down main st Jarom said "I'm pretty sure this is how every kid halloween movie starts." We visited the museum, walked around town, and visited the Old North Bridge (when the Revolutionary War started). I loved being in this area because it was so picturesque!

Highway to Concord. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

Old North Bridge - Where the Revolutionary War Began - "The Short Heard Round the World"

Katie at the Old North Bridge

Jarom in Concord. Beautiful houses! And I swear the whole town is completely full of cemeteries.

Saturday we went up to Salem. It was the weekend before Halloween weekend, so it was VERY busy! Not really our seen because we aren't really into witches. The history museum is being remodeled, so we didn't stay too long. Our plane left around 6:00 so we decided to go back to Boston for some good food. We asked Rick Atkin (Rachel's husband) where we should go and he suggested a little Italian restaurant. It was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Everything that entered my mouth tasted amazing! If you are ever in Boston go to Trattoria Il Pannino. It is expensive, but totally worth the price!