We have not explored much of the Northampton area of Massachusetts even though it is only a little over an hour away from us. After seeing places to explore on social media we decided on a daytrip to the area.

Join us as we do some exploring in South East Massachusetts.

About a year ago I was hit hard with Perimenopause symptoms, which you can read about in my blog post, Perimenopause Hit Me Like a Brick Wall. This past year as taught me a few things about trying to manage these crazy symptoms and how to be my own best advocate.

We have not spent much time exploring the South Shore of Boston. On the first nice day of the spring season we decided to do a little exploring. I did not have an itinerary, just winged it. Our first stop was Hull Massachusetts, which is a small costal town with views of Boston. It was such a cute area.

We have come to love Rhode Island and done a few overnights and day trips to this beautiful state. For February vacation we wanted to get away for a couple nights, but were not feeling the winter activities. With the weather projected in the 50’s and sunny we decided to head to Newport, Rhode Island.

Wow, I moved a total of 1,000 miles in 2024. In past years I have challenged myself to get outside and move more. I have done various challenges such as 52 Hike Challenge, 365 Mile Challenge and the 500 Miles in a Year Challenge. When 2024 started I had a goal of doing 500 miles again as there are a group of women in my community who do this together virtually.

Downeast Maine holds a special place in my heart. This area of Maine is considered the eastern coastal region that covers Washington and Hancock Counties. Growing up we had close family friends that lived in Downeast Maine and we spent a lot of time in this area. A tradition we had was to rent a rustic cabin at Robinson Cottages along the Denny’s River in Edmunds for Thanksgiving.

The beginning of this year I was hit hard with symptoms of perimenopause. You can read about these struggles in my blog post, Perimenopause Hit Me Like a Brick Wall. I was hesitant to post that blog post, but after many of my friends encouraged me to I was shocked with how many women reached out to me with their own struggles with hormones. Now that we are into fall I have been having people checking in on me, I thought I would write an update of what I have been doing and how I have been feeling.

It was a beautiful fall day and we had a few hours to do some exploring and decided to take a little drive around Central Massachusetts with a small itinerary.

I am constantly on the lookout for new activities around New England for my family and I do to. Thanks to Groupon I have found some pretty good activities. such as our latest find, Godzilla. Codzilla is a high speed boat that takes you around Boston Harbor providing you with fun and thrills

North Conway used to be my husband and I’s go to destination for day trips or vacation when we were dating and first married. Over the year’s it has become so crowded we have not gone as often. We recently wanted to take our daughter away for an overnight for her birthday to a hotel that had a spa. North Conway is where we found one.

We have come to love Rhode Island, for a small state it offers so much. We needed to get away for an overnight in August and chose to go to Rhode Island, with the main purpose to go to our favorite beach in Watch Hill.

Metrowest is the towns in Massachusetts that are west of Boston and east of Worcester. We finally had a Saturday free of sports and decided to do some exploring of places I had on my list to visit in this area.

As a woman in my 40’s I am aware that changes can start happening to my mind and body, but I did not expect for it to hit me like a brick wall.

I love the four different seasons that New England offers, but there is something about summer time in New England that is simply amazing. As a family, we have been fortunate to travel around New England visiting a variety of places during the summer. I have complied my top ten summer destinations that we have visited in New England.

When you think of New England, castles are not the first attraction that comes to mind. New England has a plethora of beautiful castles to visit. Below are the ones that my family and I have visited over the last couple years.

February Vacation is a popular time to travel. We wanted to go somewhere, but were having difficulty choosing a place due to the weather. We usually go cross country skiing, but with lack of snow, this was not an option. After some research and reviewing my places to visit folder, yes I have one of those, we settled on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. It is a small island south of Ocean City, Maryland and north of Virginia Beach.

Portland Maine is Maine’s largest city hosting an array of activities from shopping, variety of eateries, history and so much more. Growing up in Northern Maine going to Portland was always a trip to the big city. Now living in Southern New Hampshire we always drive past Portland when heading north. We recently decided to do a day trip to Portland to do some exploring. Below is how we spent the day exploring Portland.

New England is full of many beautiful ocean beaches. We have not even begun to visit them all, but in our travels over the years we have visited some great beaches throughout New England that we enjoy spending time at. Below are our top five favorite ocean beaches in New England.

New England has a plethora of amazing restaurants with so much variety. Traveling around New England we have visited some pretty amazing and delectable restaurants. Below is my family and I’s top 10 favorite restaurants in New England in no particular category or order.