Reset search
East Coast USA
  • Gillian Michael
  • Jennifer Etherington
  • Caris E

East Coast USA

Girls road trip for a 60th Birthday Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    October 17, 2024
    East Coast USA
    1

    Day 1 travelling

    Oct 17–27, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Seven modes of transport for our first leg, From home to London Heathrow. Involving a walk, a train, another train, an underground, Heathrow Express! A bus and another walk to the Premier Inn. All of which ran to schedule with no delays! Certainly ready for our Passion fruit martinis 7hrs later though!
    Of course the most exciting bit was meeting up again with Jenni. The three musketeers back together!    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 2 Flight day

    October 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    Woke to intense fog..... then the taxi didn't show....then the next taxi wouldn't fit us all.....eventually arrived at airport and checked in. It would seem the flight is very (or over) full as no choice of seats and offering £200 vouchers to those with flexible plans.
    Once on board Jenni is just sat in front - easy for Caris to give (annoying) head pats. Jenni being the seasoned traveller came prepared with hoody and eye pads for sleeping.
    Thoroughly recommend American Airlines. Air stewards lovely and they kept bringing snacks and drinks! Plus a great choice of films.    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 2 Gloucester

    October 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Arrived in Boston Airport at 11.30am to beautiful blue skies. Collected our Nissan Rogue SUV and off we went driving USA style!
    Enjoyed the drive to Gloucester through the autumn trees and spotting all the wooden detached houses trimmed for Halloween!
    Stopped on the way at Hammond Medival Castle. This is a folly belonging to the inventor John Hammond, who although progressive in his work with radio's had a passion for medieval artifacts so built a castle to house them!    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    1

    Day 2 Rockport

    Oct 18–19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Arrived at Rockport Inn after passing many large detached houses. Rockport is a small very pretty harbour town. Walked down to the bay and managed to catch the yellow sky as the sun was setting over Rockport, just as an almost full moon was rising on the horizon. It looked just like a pumpkin 🎃 Enjoyed our first lobster roll, clam chowder and Jetty Juice Beer.Read more

  • East Coast USA
    The Paper HousePaper House clockReception bench

    Day 3 Rockport to Portland Maine

    Oct 19–21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Can you believe that between the three of us, no one had brought the correct plug adaptor for the US! So first trip today was to Rocky's hardware store to see if he could help. Which he could for our phones but not the hair straighteners or laptops!
    Spent a lovely morning looking around the shops, art galleries and sea view's of Rockport. We realised that today was the harvest festival celebration, so lots of locals about, a few stalls selling local beers and a live band singing classics like Here's comes the sun and Country Road!
    After a corn muffin and another lobster roll we headed back to the car for the drive to Portland. On the way we stopped at The Paper House - this is a small house built in 1924 and made entirely of rolled up newspaper!
    We arrived in Portland and got settled in to our lovely Hilton Waterfront hotel, before heading out for Mexican and cocktails for dinner.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Timberwind before sail

    Day 4 Bougie B'fasts & Breweries

    Oct 20–22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Went to the coolest breakfast joint in town - Bread and Friends. Gilly enjoyed an Orange Creamiscle and we shared the soft scrambled eggs, English muffins and delicious French toast with maple syrup.
    Visited an old Victorian mansion built with brownstone. Unfortunately we could not get a picture of the putside as it was coverd in scaffolding, under going restorative works. The house was owned by The Morse family as a summer residence. Mr Morse was a wealthy hotelier who also traded slaves.
    After, we walked through town, looking around beautiful homeware stores that smell delicious! Came across a bronze statue of the film director John Ford, who was from Maine until making it big in Hollywood - known for his Westerns. Tried the local beer at Austin Breweries.
    In complete contrast to Rockport, Portland is very much a big city harbour. There were two huge cruise ships in dock.
    Rounded off the day with a sunset cruise on a Schooner called Timberwind. Jenni was glad of her new beaver beanie when out at sea!
    Lots of fresh air today so opted for Portland Pie (pizza) take out and a film - (Pirates of course) back at the hotel.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    1Perfect Autumn Tree

    Day 5 Colours of Fall

    October 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Started the day with a Holy Donut surprisingly healthy chocolate coconut and maple bacon flavours.
    Set off on our trail up to Mount Agamenticus, in York. Quite different to our York. We spotted caterpillars, chipmunks and leaves of all colours. Beautiful views from the lookout. This used to be an old skiing resort. Great trail planning by Caris.Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Salem Witch MuseumThe house of seven gablesThe school from Hocus PocusSalem City HallThe Mercy Tavern

    Its all a bunch of Hocus Pocus

    October 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After our trail we drove the 90mins to Salem, seeing many halloween decorated houses. We raced to the Witch Museum. Everything here is on a timed entry with no leeway for latecomers.
    Learnt about the history of the Salem witch trial which all started because of a bored Reverend's daughter!! After a quick purchase of emergency snacks, we joined our witches and seafarers walking tour. This started at the witches trial memorial. This was very symbolic and each of the persons hanged now has a headstone.
    Because of the judgement placed on people in the past, Salem now promotes, welcoming and accepting of all people, regardless of background.
    Lots of the houses here have small plaques detailing the first occupant, the date and their occupation.
    After a walk along the pier we visited the House of Seven Gables for an audio tour around the grounds.
    The Mercy Tavern was calling us for the best burgers we have ever eaten. Caris enjoyed a spiced pumpkin shipyard ale.
    After eating we wandered back along Essex Street, mainly people watching all those in costumes, before driving the perilous journey to our next destination.
    Mum was driving, Caris giving directions, on the first night drive. We navigated swirly whirled exits, and 8 lanes of traffic with speeding cars! We thought they drove slower in America!
    Went across Boston Bunker Hill bridge and through the Big Dig tunnel, which is the longest scariest road tunnel ever that runs under Boston City! This definitely wasn't here 40 years ago!
    The roads eventually got gradually quieter until we arrived in Rhode Island.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    The BreakersThis is just the hallway!One of many chandeliersThe terraceThe ceilings are quite spectacularGooseberry BeachMarble HouseImported marble costing $7millionCastle InnSunset from our terraceWhite Horse Tavern

    Day 6 Birthday Rhode Island style

    Oct 22–24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Newport Harbour Hotel and Marina. Mum got up really early to do some morning sunrise viewing from our balcony overlooking the harbour. We then did coffee, cards and gifts in bed.

    We had a birthday breakfast at Franklin's Spa, this is the oldest breakfast spot in Newport and has been serving breakfasts for 180 years. In order to try as much as possible we ordered for the table, a breakfast tapas of sorts. We had eggs benny, blueberry pancakes with A grade syrup, a smoothie and a toasted corn muffin to go. It was the birthday breakfast of kings.

    After breakfast we began our Newport Mansion road trip. First stop was The Breakers. The Breakers is a huge big house that was owned by the Vanderbilts family. It had a lot of gold inside and a great ocean view. Although it was just their summer residence, referred to by American socialites of the time as a "summer cottage".

    We went to Gooseberry Beach and had a wander along the sands that squeaked (like gooseberries) as we walked. It was beautifully peaceful and warm enough for a paddle, which may be a first for Mum on her birthday, in October. We did wish we had brought our swimming costumes and picnic blanket as we have been truly blessed with the weather.

    Following this we went to the Marble House, which is exactly that. Again, this was owned by the Vanderbilts, it was given as a gift to Alva Vanderbilt by her husband for her 39th birthday (which is not even a special birthday!)

    Feeling a bit 'big housed out' we went to The Castle Inn for cocktails on the lawn, looking out over the ocean. This was exceptionally lovely and very warm in the sunshine. Our big breakfast had worn off by this point, so we had some luxury snacks on the terrace.

    We made it back to our hotel just in time to watch the sunset from the balcony, and get ready for dinner at the White Horse Tavern. This is the 10th oldest restaurant in the world and America's Oldest Tavern - rumour has it George Washington drank here. We had a delicious meal - Jenni got to try a big scotch egg, followed by the biggest plate of vegetables. She is looking forward to having maple syrup covered sprouts again, perhaps at Christmas. Caris and Mum had the catch of the day, which was swordfish with pinapple salsa which is a phenomenal combination. Caris had wondered why they call it 'creamed potato', why not call it 'mash'....then her potato's arrived, and they were exceptionally creamy. The sommelier recommended a bottle of Ravines Riesling from a New York winery which complemented the fish perfectly.
    All in all a very good start to the big birthday year for Mumbles.    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 7 Strolling Newport

    October 23, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Fabulous breakfast at Drift, full of vitamins! Strolled around the town, all agreed good vibes, old town harbour feel, not too big to look around with beautiful houses. Great birthday location

  • East Coast USA
    Love these mail boxesJenni baking cornbread muffinsCaris out for a runThe local beach

    Our American Home

    Oct 23–26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Left Newport to head to an Air bnb. A change from hotels and arrived at a good point during the holiday. Gave us more space to chill and do homey things together like cooking, baking, running and Netflix! Sleepy area with squirrels in the yard and turkey's roaming free.Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 8 Pirates and Beaches

    October 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    After a relaxing morning 'at home' washing and preparing picnics, we headed out to the Whydah Pirate Museum.
    Here is the only place (in the world) that real pirate treasure has found and recovered from the seabed some 300years after the pirate ship Whydah sank in a terrible storm. Captained by Sam Bellamy who was heading home to marry his true love, having made his fortune at sea. On board also was King Jack the youngest pirate aged just 8 years who, after ship he was travelling on with his mother was captured by Pirates, insisted he became one himself. Such spirit he had Captian Bellamy agreed.
    Following this we made our way to Mayflower beach with our picnic. Unfortunately it was much to windy to sit and eat so we took an hours walk along the vast expanse of white sands. Shame we were loaded down with chairs though!
    We headed back inland for our picnic instead and enjoyed the beautiful views across the bay from Scargo Tower. This was a look out tower given to the Tobey family in recognition of their ancestral contribution to the area. (The plaque didn't say what they did though!)    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 9 Martha's vineyard

    October 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    An early start today for a trip out. Even earlier for Jenni who was teaching at 3.00am!
    After a drive to Woods Hole, we caught the ferry to Vineyard Haven. Had trouble finding the correct carpark but all worked out in the end.
    The 45mins sail was beautiful, Gillian preferring to stay outside of course. Weather was meant to be 5° cooler today, reaching only 13° but with the sunshine we could have worn shorts and tee-shirt!
    Vineyard Haven, although pretty seemed to have closed for the season!    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Oak Bluffs

    October 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We caught #13 bus from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs. Found a delightful chocolate shop for coffee and treat, before finding a spot in Ocean Park for our prepared picnic.
    Wonderful sea views overlooking the bay.
    Fascinating watching the geese which we decided were from York, fly from park to sea then back again in family groups.
    Caris and Jenni had a quick shoot out before exploring the Gingerbread Houses.    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Edgartown

    Oct 25–Nov 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Caught the #13 bus further down the island to the main town.
    Pretty little town with really good ice cream (yes in October!) Strolled around the shops which were beautiful but way too expensive for us. Decided they were missing a trick as we all had money to spend, just not $150. for a tee-shirt!
    Caught the earlier ferry back to our American home. Jenni pretty tired after her early start and all the fresh sea air.    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Day 10 Edward Gorey

    October 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    So today we have to leave our little home and head to Boston.
    Stopping on the way at Edward Gorey's House who is a well known illustrator, author, poet and eccentric. Specialized in the abstract and quirky murder mysteries and Dracula 🧛‍♂️ Famous for wearing fur coats yet at the same time supporting animal protection charity's. An eclectic house with a scavenger hunt!Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Boston

    Oct 26–28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Arrived at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel to a protest by the housekeeping staff. Organised with drums, loud speakers, horns and a food truck. Apparently they will be here 7.00am till 8.00pm
    Had some trouble returning the car as Hertz car lot was full, but a helpful security attendent parked it for us!
    An original Hilton Hotel with wide corridors lots of lifts and 15 floors. We are on the 12th and can still hear the protesters!.
    Jenni found a local Irish bar- Biddy Earlies which served really good Guinness. Then we went to The Black Rose bar to see Sláinte. An Irish band who Gill had met the bass player when in Dublin with Emma. Having this contact allowed us to get in, as the bouncer initially refused entry - a random rule of they don't accept foreign driving licence ID at weekends!? A great night was had.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Sky ladder building
    Italian area

    Day 11 Squirrels and Trolleybus

    October 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Headed out for Breakfast at Flour for naughty treats such as pecan sticky buns!
    Found our way to the trolley bus by walking through Boston Common park which was full of Squirrels and Fall colours, Caris felt like Snow White.
    Coggs our driver, on the trolleybus made the sightseeing loop of the city very enjoyable using songs stories and fun facts.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Acorn StreetMake way for the ducklingsFrizzy hair day

    Beacon Hill

    October 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Beautiful Boston. Hopped off the Trolleybus to explore the heart of the old town. Here they had signs to indicate what the shops were selling as most people were illiterate in the olden days! This is a beautiful area with one of the oldest cobbled streets- Acorn Street.
    Found the ducklings which are a dedication to the author Robert McGlosky who wrote the book - Make way for the ducklings, which Caris now has a copy.
    Stopped for a quick half and a Bloody Mary in the Cheers bar before heading back on the Trolleybus. We had to wait a long-time for one to appear despite the drivers saying they come along every 15mins!    Read more

  • East Coast USA

    Christian Science plaza

    October 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Another beautiful find in Back Bay area, home to the mother church of the Christian Science movement. This was founded by Mary Baker Eddy, she was a devout christian who had a tragic accident on some ice. Doctors thought she would not recover. However after reading her bible for comfort she made a miraculous recovery and so believed people could be healed through the power of God. After this she became an author, teacher and Christian Healer.
    We took a tour of the Mapparium which is a three-story-tall stained glass globe of the earth, built in 1935, which you walk through. Designed to show how we see the world in geographical location, with a narrative detailing how similar we all are!

    Unfortunately the Trolleybus let us down as having waited 40mins two appeared together, both of which were full. So we decided to walk back to Hotel to freshen up for dinner.
    Caris had booked The Legal Seafood restaurant for our final dinner. We enjoyed the Clam chowder, Scallops, Baked haddock and Clam strips.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Statue of 3 lies (John Harvard)

    Day 12 Harvard

    October 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Woke early again to the sound of drums and horns. Off we set to The Friendly Toast, a quirky 1950s diner, for mimosas and a hearty breakfast of waffles, Sando bagel and pancakes. This set us up well for our walking tour of Harvard.
    Lauren our guide was a third year (junior) student majoring in Maths. We learnt about how Havard got its name - after John Havard who didn't actually found the collage but did leave all of his money when he died of tuberculosis to the New England Collage - they were so grateful for the gift they changed the name. The statue of John Harvard is interesting as 1. It's not actually him, the sculptor ask a random, but good looking student to model for him, as John had died at this point and there was no record of what he actually looked like!. 2. The date is wrong 3. He wasn't the founder of the university.
    It's a beautiful campus with historic buildings.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    1Paul Revere who warned of British invasion
    Boston Cream PieCaris walking the pathOld North ChurchPaul Revere's 2 bed homeThe bell in hand -oldest pubThe old state house

    The Freedom Trail

    October 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    After Harvard we called into The famous Mike's Pastries for Boston Cream Pie and pistachio cannolli. This was a "put us on" for our self guided walking tour of the freedom trail taken by Paul Revere. This was fun as there was a two brick red path to follow all the way so we couldn't really get lost! Made our way to Bunker Hill to start the trail, past USS Constitution - a work US naval base.
    Came across a super blow up Halloween display in a park!
    Passed Paul Revere's 2 bed home for his 16 children.
    The oldest continuously serving pub in Boston - Bell in hand and the old State House.
    Stopped in the gift shop of the Old North church souvenirs - (Christmas baubles!) Ended the trail at Quincy Market for one last Clam Chowder before heading to the airport.    Read more

  • East Coast USA
    Birthday viewChattering away - a favourite memoryBeautiful Boston Common

    The flight home 😔

    October 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    The flights not full so room to spread out. Kevin all set for departure too. Added a few extra photos that didn't fit on the relevant day.
    This has been a fantastic birthday and the bestest sleep over.Read more

    Trip end
    October 29, 2024
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice