Northeast Life: Boston Dive Bars

It should come as no surprise that Boston is a very historical city...in fact it's not uncommon to run into Ben Franklin on the street (he's camera shy...and charges $5 for a picture...lame). I snatched one of him anyway...

As someone who appreciates History, I always try to soak up all the cobblestone-y, New England-y goodness that is Boston....

Because of the history factor, The Green Dragon emerged as my favorite go-to bar in the city when I first moved here. Not only has it been around since 1773, but it was the spot where the Boston Tea Party was planned, AND where Paul Revere left for his midnight ride. My friends roll their eyes when we're halfway through a round of drinks and I get all sentimental...'but guys, Paul Revere drank RIGHT HERE'.  I think it's pretty cool...

Besides the historical greatness that is The Green Dragon, I find that it's always a good time on a Friday or Saturday night. In fact, I used to go so often that my friends and I know the bouncers and bartenders by name (let it be known that if you bake a bouncer a cookie, you will forever get into their bar for free...). The crowd is generally on the older side, but drinks are well priced, and there is always a live band (and they are always playing the greatest hits of the 80's and 90's). There is also rarely a line compared to the neighboring bars (probably because the crowd and music are old...but I prefer a good rock-out to Bryan Adam's Summer of '69 over David Guetta's newest remix...I'm a very old 23 raised on Guns and Roses, Aerosmith and Hootie).

Is the Green Dragon a place to meet a future boyfriend...no.
Is it a place to take your friends to impress them...definitely no.
Is it a place to rock out and dance your socks off to the live band until you're kicked out the door...you betcha!

And if the British ever decide to attack again, there are plenty of revolutionary weapons on the wall to defend yourself! Now, go make Pauly R proud!

Connect with us!

Today's guest post comes from Jacky who writes the blog Keep Clam and Blog On. Jacky is a Northeast blogger living in New York who loves all things British, traveling and big comfy sweaters

Northeast Life: Visiting Rhode Island!

Rhode Island. Little Rhody. The 401. So many nicknames for our small state, but always the same abundance of love. Like every other state, there are certain things that make our state unique. Like, our accent. And our beaches. But here are a few of my favorites that you absolutely HAVE to try while visiting {if you haven't yet!}.  
 

Del's Lemonade
Their stands and trucks are absolutely everywhere. It's the simple, sweet taste of lemon or watermelon that just cools me right down on a hot summer day. Of course they have other flavors like cherry, peach mango, blueberry, light melon, grapefruit and pomegranate. The best part about Del's is that they have their own powder mix which is great for gifts! When my brother was overseas, my mom packed up a box that included a few mixes for him and his soldiers.




Iggy's Doughboy & Chowder House
Seriously, what doesn't sound good about doughboys?! With two perfect locations by the beach, it'd be perfect for a date with the girls, or your guy. Or even a family fun night out. Besides doughboys and chowder, they offer a variety of different foods like french fries, mozzarella sticks, and chicken fingers. You can always find good deals directly on their website you can print out and bring with you.



Newport Creamery
A family eatery with multiple locations all over Rhode Island with great options for literally anyone, it's a nice place to go on a day off or after a day at the beach. Their ice cream and fraps are to die for.

So there you have it, 3 places to try when visiting Rhode Island!   Connect with us!

Today's guest post comes from Amy of Love and Hot Chocolate. Amy is a Northeast blogger from Rhode Island who loves cheese, purple and her Ipad.

Northeast Life: Mystic Seaport, CT

 Today we are checking out Mystic Seaport, CT with Kallie!

Recently we visited Mystic Seaport. Even though it is in my home state I'd never visited before. And even better, I'd just gotten my new Tamron f/2.8 lens in the mail so this was the perfect chance to give it a test drive.

We were blessed with gorgeous weather, and even better than that, the Seaport wasn't crawling with tourists- still a little early into the season I guess.  Mystic Seaport is a restored 19th century seafaring village. There are an array of historic boats and maritime art, along with the full village, with each shop and house still intact with role players inside each one.

Time to test of that f/2.8 in the church.

Figured I'd better test out the lens' portrait abilities too. Part of the selling feature for my on the f/2.8 was its strengths with indoor lighting and portrait-type photography.  It's downfall is that it's a 28-75mm so it doesn't give me as wide of a range for landscapes. Hey, you win some you lose some.

I'm on a boat anddd, I'm not going that fast, actually.

Oops, maybe there is a reason they tell you not to touch everything. Caught "red-handed"

After all that exploring our blood sugars were feeling mighty low and we were in need of of sustenance.

What? Not what you pictured as power food? Let me tell you, beer and french fries can prepare you to conquer the world. P.S. anyone else like their french fries with mustard?

We settled for a local brew called Cottrell, bottled right in Pawcatuck, Ct. It was a mighty fine ale, I must say so myself.

Hey there good lookin'.  

Refueled we were feeling much better and ventured back out into ye ole village.

Things got pretty serious when we realized there'd be tripping hazards. This was actually aboard the oldest Whaling ship left in existence.  They are working to restore it to her former glory and then she'll spend a few years traveling the world. I even heard they are going to sail her to a Whale Sanctuary in Australia where she and the whales will "make peace" for their bloody past. Pretty neat. 

Michael made friends with this attractive woman while I tried my very best not to get jealous.

Time to head home! We had a lovely trip to the Seaport. If you ever find yourself in southeastern Connecticut, I suggest a trip at the famous Mystic Seaport.

Don't forget to follow me, at But First Coffee on Bloglovin!

Connect with us!

Today's guest post comes from Kallie who writes over at But First, Coffee. Kallie is a Northeast blogger from Connecticut who loves her dog, DIY projects, beautiful things and of course, coffee!

NE Life: Summer in Connecticut!

I am often asked how our family wound up in Connecticut. I like to cause Connecticut the compromise state…I grew up in New Jersey, my husband grew up in Massachusetts. Connecticut was in the middle! Luckily, it has been the perfect place to raise our family. Summer in Connecticut is amazing as well, and I am so excited to share some of our places which are on our “top five places to revisit” list this summer. 

  

Jones Family Farm, Shelton, CT

We love visiting Jones Family Farm to pick our own fresh strawberries in June and blueberries in July. I love to make this a family adventure – but always see couples, groups of friends, or individuals out there picking the delicious fruits! 

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport Connecticut

The Beardsley Zoo is Connecticut’s only zoo. While it is not a large zoo – it is packed with great exhibits, and the kids love it. Some favorite areas are the prairie dog hill, where the kids can climb through the tunnels and get up close and personal with the prairie dogs! My children also love the farm area…and we never leave without a stop at the carousel.  This summer they are also starting Camel Rides – I can’t wait to go and check those out!

Norwalk Aquarium, Norwalk, CT

Now we love to be outside in the summer, but let’s be honest, sometimes we have to go inside! On those super hot days, or the time where we just need a break from the heat, one of our favorite places to visit is the Norwalk Aquarium. Our favorite exhibits are the meerkats, and the seals.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Stamford, CT

The Stamford Museum and Nature center is a wonderful place to go to really sit back and enjoy, well, nature! Trails to walk on, a peaceful meadow for a nice picnic, animals….a favorite spot here is the Otter Pond. Who doesn’t love those little otters?

Ferris Acres Ice Cream Shop, Newtown, CT

Nothing says summer like ice cream!  Ferris Acres is the last working dairy farm in CT. The ice cream is made onsite…and it is truly amazing. We have been known to go for ice cream, and take home an ice cream cake to enjoy after the visit. Love sitting back, eating ice cream, and watching the cows. Perfect perfect summer treat!

Have you been to any of the places above? What do you think?

Do you have any favorite places in Connecticut to add to this list? 

Connect with us!

Today's guest post comes from Dana of Mastering Mommy Brain.   Dana is a Northeast Blogger who has two adorable children and dreams that one day she will have a clean and orderly house!