New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Massachusetts Town Greens book Who loves a good old-fashioned New England town common? If so, I am pleased to tell you that I have written a book entitled "Massachusetts Town Greens" that features 70 beautiful town commons. The experiences of visiting these town commons and writing about them has truly been amazing and I look forward to sharing them with you in the book! Many of the town greens in Massachusetts have historical significance  -- whether as former cow pastures, military training grounds, religious centers, etc. -- but also serve as fabulous modern day gathering places that, depending on the town green, include farmers markets, Veterans and Memorial Day observances, summer concerts on the common, and seasonal festivals. The look of a typical town common is wonderfully familiar with a gazebo, paved walkways, benches, dedication monuments and, of course, scenic green spaces. The book includes historical information, interesting anecdotes, descriptions ...

Article and Photo by Eric H. There's an affectionate old, local joke that once you live in Norwood, MA, you never leave. The reasoning behind this "townie" tradition makes perfect sense, given Norwood has always offered a sense of place with its close-knit neighborhoods, good schools, proximity to Boston and Providence, and lots of town activities going on in this southwest suburban Boston town of about 29,000 people. One of the big draws in Norwood, MA, is its thriving downtown -- perhaps the best mid-sized town center in suburban Boston. Becoming something of a "restaurant row," with an amazing diversity of dining spots, Norwood also features many local Mom and Pop stores that collectively allow you to do all of your shopping downtown. Although the type of businesses are becoming more modern with boutiques and galleries, there's still a sense of yesteryear with Brenner's Childrens Shop for clothing, old school dining spots like the Lewis Restaurant...

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Photo Courtesy of Yankee Candle Company, Source: MassVacation.com The Yankee Candle Factory in South Deerfield, MA, has come a long way since founder Mike Kittridge started the Yankee Candle business in 1969 in his parent's basement. It just goes to show what a little perseverance does as this household-name Massachusetts travel attraction offers an overwhelmingly fun mix of shopping, entertainment and dining, including more than 160 candle varieties, 16,000 square feet of home furnishings, a candle making museum, foods from fudge to gourmet dinners (and Chandler's Restaurant), a car museum, a Bavarian Christmas Village with themed holiday shops and a 25-foot Christmas tree. Even a person like me who has an aversion and general dislike for candles thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It's like one-big cartoon with its animated look that is the size of some shopping malls. It's sort of like Disneyland with a wick. The appeal of the...