Those that know and love Boston will probably be disappointed in this post. But sometimes one needs a break. Such was the case when we rolled into Normandy Farms Family Campground in Foxborough, MA.* Weary after our run up the east coast and nonstop touring of D.C., Philly, and NYC, we took a quick look around the campground and saw pools, hot tubs, a sauna, a BMX course, ping-pong, and organized kids activities and immediately checked to see if we could extend our stay from five nights to seven. Only one spot was available over the weekend and we quickly snagged it. So began a mostly restful stay in the rolling hills of Massachusetts.
We became Red Sox fans on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Lured by the history of Fenway Park and the possibility of obtaining David Price bobbleheads, we shook off our fatigue and drove into Boston. Lines formed quickly at the gates, all seeking the coveted bobblehead of limited availability.
Resisting the urge to explore around the park, we queued up. Our patience paid off and we entered with bobbleheads in tow.
Opening in 1912, Fenway is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It lacks the glitz of new parks. It’s quirky. Sight lines are sometimes poor. But this intimate setting exudes baseball charm.
I find it difficult to convey how much we enjoyed the game experience. Perfect weather combined with a great baseball atmosphere and a rousing hometown victory made for a terrific night.
Free stuff, and that it was a nice change of pace for us, sealed the deal. The kids even balked when I suggested that we leave in the top half of the 9th inning with the Sox up by eight runs.
After the game, we bought Red Sox shirts and hats and followed the Sox by radio and TV. The Sox went 6-1 during our stay and scored 74 runs. We never mustered the energy to visit the North End of Boston or walk the Freedom Trail, but we almost went to a second game (only the high weekend ticket prices deterred us).
We did venture to Rhode Island.
Departing from Easton Beach, we enjoyed a nice stroll along the Cliff Walk in Newport.
Estate owners, like the Vanderbilts, developed the Cliff Walk during Newport’s Gilded Age (1880-1920). It was designated a National Historic Walking Trail in 1976. The trail affords a unique opportunity to walk the coast between stately mansions and the sea.
Downtown Newport offers streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants. The Brick Alley Pub served good eats with a smile in a warm setting.
We spent the rest of our time in the Boston area taking advantage of the campground amenities, schooling, running errands, doing routine maintenance, and otherwise just chilling out.
That’s not what we expected when arriving in this historically rich area, but it was the right thing for us at this juncture.
Rested and relaxed, we motored up the coast to Bar Harbor, ME, eagerly anticipating our visit to Acadia National Park.
*The official spelling is Foxborough and that’s what you will see on most maps. But Foxboro is found frequently in common usage.
I’d like to hear “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park!
Mom may have even liked being there for that! We have it recorded for y’all! I definitely thought about our tiny station wagon windows, and the fun we had “singing” that song through them!
Sounds like a great northeastern experience!
Foxboro is my home town. Never spelled it the long way. Brings back memories. Nice trip you and your family are taking. Enjoy!