Fall River Adventures: Battleship Cove, Family History, and Riverside Walks

Fall River is a city rich with history—from naval heroes to infamous legends—and it made for an incredible stop on our Walk 351 journey. With a little bit of adventure, a family connection, and some good old-fashioned meandering, it turned out to be a day packed with fun, learning, and a few surprises.

Exploring the Mighty Ships of Battleship Cove

Our day began at Battleship Cove, one of the premier naval museums in the United States and home to the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships.

We boarded the USS Massachusetts, affectionately known as “Big Mamie”. Commissioned in 1942, the ship served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II. The size of Big Mamie truly impressed us—especially the boys, who marveled at how big she really is as we explored, and got lost, navigating the various levels of the ship. At one point, they took advantage of the opportunity to lay down on the cots sailors once slept on, testing out just how snug life aboard a battleship could be.

Next up was the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., a Gearing-class destroyer named for the elder brother of President John F. Kennedy, who was killed during a secret mission in World War II. The ship served during the Cold War era, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Wandering through its narrow hallways and peeking into the ship’s systems and quarters gave a real feel for life aboard a destroyer.

We finished our ship tour with a dive into the USS Lionfish, a World War II-era submarine. It’s incredible how cramped and compact everything was aboard the sub, with barely enough room to turn around. I managed to whack my head at one point, so be sure to pay attention as you move about if you go.

Each ship offered a glimpse into a different chapter of American naval history, and exploring them firsthand made for an unforgettable experience.

And gave her mother forty whacks...

After our nautical adventures, we decided to swing by another famous (or perhaps infamous) Fall River landmark—the Lizzie Borden House.

Lizzie Borden, known for the 1892 axe murders that captured national attention, also happens to be a distant cousin of ours—my 7th cousin 5x removed, through my maternal grandmother’s line. While we didn’t go inside for the official tour this time, it was still fascinating (and a little eerie) to stand outside and take in the historic home from the sidewalk. The street crossing sign nearby, featuring a silhouette of a hatchet-wielding Lizzie, definitely gave me a chuckle.

Barrett's Waterfront Bounty

Hungry from our morning adventures, we grabbed lunch at Barrett’s Waterfront, located right along the Taunton River. The food was delicious—good-sized portions, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere to relax and recharge. It was a great choice for a casual but hearty lunch right by the water. The clam strips were absolutely fantastic.

Riverfront Stroll Through Bicentennial Park

With the rain clouds from earlier in the morning long gone, we capped off our visit with a peaceful walk along the Taunton River at Bicentennial Park. The riverfront path is lined with memorials, including a World War II Memorial and a Vietnam Veterans Wall, offering a place for quiet reflection. The views of the river were beautiful, and it was a perfect way to wind down our day in Fall River, burn off any remaining excess energy in the boys, and get ready for the drive home.

Final Thoughts

Our day in Fall River had everything we love about exploring Massachusetts—hands-on history, connections to our family’s past, good food, and time outdoors. From climbing aboard Big Mamie to standing outside the Lizzie Borden House, it was a trip filled with stories, experiences, and memories we won’t soon forget.

Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts!

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Exploring Plymouth: Pilgrim History, Family Fun, and Ancestral Connections

Nestled along the picturesque Massachusetts coastline, Plymouth stands as a cornerstone of American history and culture. Known as "America's Hometown," it was the site of the Pilgrims' 1620 landing and the first permanent European settlement in New England. Beyond its rich historical significance, Plymouth offers a vibrant blend of educational experiences, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities. Here's a look at how we spent a day exploring this iconic town.

Step Back in Time at Plimoth Patuxet Plantation

Our adventure began at Plimoth Patuxet Plantation, where history comes alive through immersive exhibits and interactive demonstrations. From the reconstructed Pilgrim village to the Wampanoag Homesite, we gained insight into life in the 1600s for both the indigenous people and the European settlers.

Big brother got drafted into the Plymouth militia and learned how to march with a pike, a weapon used for the colony's defense. It's essentially a long spear and a common weapon across Europe in the late Middle Ages and into the more modern period of world history. The boys explored gardens, met farm animals, and even tried their hand at games Pilgrim children played, including a hoop and stick game that is deceptively challenging.

At the Wampanoag Homesite, we learned about the Patuxet people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Grinding corn, sitting in a mishoon (a large dug-out canoe), and sitting on fur-covered benches in a winter wetu were highlights for the boys, offering a tactile connection to history. They were eager to share what they already knew from school and making connections with what they were seeing and experiencing.

A Glimpse of History: Plymouth Rock

After stepping back in time, we headed to the waterfront to see the legendary Plymouth Rock. Though smaller than most adults expect, the boys found it plenty big. The rock's significance as a symbol of the Pilgrims' arrival was not lost on us. The boys marveled at the 1620 engraving and the idea of its place in history—even if there is little historical evidence the rock was viewed as important to the Pilgrims, nor the specific site they disembarked from the Mayflower.

A Harbor View Lunch at Mamma Mia’s

Exploring history works up an appetite, and Mamma Mia’s provided the perfect spot for lunch. Overlooking the harbor, we enjoyed delicious pizza and pasta while soaking in the view. Some of the pasta dishes looked quite appealing, but since it was just me and the two boys on this excursion, and they were dead set on pizza, I didn't get a chance to indulge. It was the ideal break before diving back into Plymouth’s rich past.

Ancestral Connections on Burial Hill

For our family, visiting Burial Hill was especially meaningful. We searched for the marker honoring William Brewster, a Mayflower passenger and a key leader of Plymouth Colony—and my 12th great-grandfather through my maternal grandmother's line.

The marker that stands in place of an actual gravemarker—his actual burial site is unknown—reads: "In Memoriam. Elder William Brewster. Patriarch of the Pilgrims and their ruling elder 1609-1644. Outstanding leader of the Pilgrim Movement, the founding of Plimoth Plantation, and the establishment of civil and religious livery in the New World. B[orn] at Scrooby, England, ca. 1566-7. D[ied] at Plymouth, N.E., ca. April 10, 1644. A resident of Plymouth and Duxbury. M[arried] ca. 1589 Mary Wentworth of Scrooby, b[orn] ca. 1568-9, d[ied] at Plymouth ca. April 17, 1627. Both (Mayflower passengers) rest in unknown graves in Plymouth, possibly in or near Burial Hill. Erected 1967 by the Elder William Brewster Society."

Standing there was a poignant reminder of our ancestors’ journey and the challenges they faced in building a new life. For the boys, it was a tangible connection to their heritage and their 13th great-grandfather, sparking both pride and curiosity.

Sailing Into the Past: Mayflower II

Our final stop was Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the famed ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic. Climbing aboard, we marveled at how 102 passengers, along with supplies and livestock, endured the cramped quarters during their 66-day voyage.

The boys tried out the bunks and imagined life on the high seas. While they agreed the experience was fascinating, they were glad their visit was limited to a sunny afternoon rather than a perilous journey across turbulent ocean waves to an unknown land.

Conclusion

Plymouth offered the perfect blend of history, learning, and family fun. From walking in the footsteps of the Pilgrims to connecting with our own ancestry, the day was both educational and memorable.

If you're a history buff, a descendant of Mayflower passengers, or simply looking for a scenic and enriching day trip, Plymouth is a destination you won’t want to miss. With its rich past and vibrant present, this iconic town truly has something for everyone.

Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit! 

Are you a Mayflower descendant, or from the Patuxet? Have you been to Plymouth? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Charlton Celebrations: Old Home Day, Historic Taverns, and Family Fun

A soap box derby, a visit from the Marquis de Lafayette, races, and so much more! That was our Walk 351 for the quiet town of Charlton.

A town steeped in history and community spirit, since 1897 Charlton has celebrated Old Home Day on Labor Day weekend, a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together for a day filled with activities, games, and festivities. This year, our family joined the fun to see what makes Charlton’s Old Home Day so special.

Kicking Off with the Soap Box Derby

We began our day at one of the event’s highlights—the Soap Box Derby. The creativity of the young racers was on full display, with their colorful, homemade cars zooming down the street. The energy of the cheering crowd added to the excitement.

The kids loved watching the races and our 6-year-old was inspired to build his own car someday. His favorite moment? Watching car #70 hilariously weave across the course due to its design and the kid trying to steer it.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

The boys took part in the Kids' Fun Run around the town common. It was the perfect way for them to burn off some energy and join in the community spirit. This was the second time our oldest has taken part in this race, and the first for our younger son. There were a ton of kids of all ages out there giving it their best as they ran before the big five miler that would follow.

I had originally thought about taking part in the Old Home Day Road Race, a challenging five-mile course through Charlton’s hilly terrain. Unfortunately, I had already committed to another five-mile race the next day in Marlborough, and with some ongoing plantar fasciitis battles, I decided back-to-back five-mile races was probably not a good idea. Our 8-year-old wanted to run the Old Home Day Road Race, and while he's done great with 5K road races and ran a pair of 6K races this summer, we told him he’d have to wait another year or two before tackling such a big race. Instead, we cheered on Uncle Carleton and the Rapid Tortoises team, along with wheelchair racers from Team Hoyt and runners of all levels.

The Games Man & Boy Scouts

Trevor the Games Man entertained kids and adults alike with his humor and creativity. The kids said one of their favorite parts was the game where kids pretended to snip off Trevor’s beard, and he hilariously pretended to get mad when it “hit” his hand. Another highlight was the parachute game, where kids took turns being a cat chasing mice.

The Boy Scouts had set up a site by the ballfields, where people could try their hand at a kid-friendly form of archery and some faux fishing. These activities were a hit with our boys. At the fishing station, the little guy proudly cast his line far, though catching fish proved tricky. Big brother, however, caught three fish and declared it “awesome!”

Archery offered a different kind of challenge. Big brother worked hard and eventually got the hang of it. Little brother was excited to hit the target a couple of times and cheekily pointed out that he hit it when his brother didn’t!

Exploring Local Vendors & Food

The town common was buzzing with booths showcasing handmade crafts, local treats, and community organizations. It was a great opportunity to explore Charlton’s vibrant local culture. We wrapped up our adventure at Charlton House of Pizza & Seafood, where we grabbed a cheese pizza — a favorite of the boys.

A Historical Finale at Rider Tavern

A few days later, I extended our Walk 351 with a visit the historic Rider Tavern. On this afternoon a crowd was gathering to celebrate the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s 1824 visit to Charlton, including his stop to the tavern. At the time of his visit, the sit was known as Wilson's Coffee House, having only recently been acquired by a new owner. The coffee house didn't remain as such for long and was eventually sold back to a member of the Rider family and its name reverted to its original Rider Tavern, which it has been known as ever since. The re-enactment of the Revolutionary War hero's return brought history to life, with townspeople, troops, and Lafayette himself delivering speeches and recreating the scene from two centuries ago. 

As the sign posted outside the Rider Tavern reads: "Lafayette's Tour. On Sept. 3, 1824, General Lafayette was welcomed here at Wilson's Coffee House where refreshments were served and local residents assembled."

For this history buff, it was a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Conclusion

Charlton’s Old Home Day offered a perfect blend of fun, history, and community. From the high-speed excitement of the Soap Box Derby to the historic charm of Rider Tavern, it was a day filled with family memories. Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit! 

Have you visited Charlton’s Old Home Day or Rider Tavern? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Exploring Amesbury: History, Scenic Walks, and Sweet Treats

Amesbury, located in Essex County right on the New Hampshire border, is a town rich in history and charm. Settled in 1642 and incorporated in 1668, Amesbury became a city in 1998. The town has a population of 17,366, according to the 2020 Census. Before European settlement, the Pentucket Tribe inhabited the area. The Powwow River runs through Amesbury, playing a crucial role in its industrial heritage. Notably, Josiah Bartlett, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born here. Fun fact: the fictional President Jed Bartlett from The West Wing is depicted as a descendant of Josiah Bartlett, making this town a must-visit for fans of the show.

Pizza Downtown

We kicked off our Amesbury adventure with a stop at The Pizza Factory on Friend Street. Nestled just off downtown, this local pizza shop served up a delicious cheese pizza that everyone enjoyed. It’s a cozy spot that’s perfect for a quick bite before exploring the town.

After lunch, we strolled through Amesbury's downtown, which is lined with mom-and-pop shops like Toy Soldier Games, Paws Pet Boutique, Mel's Record Store, jewelers, bakeries, restaurants, and more. The classic brick buildings, beautiful flowers and planters, and tree-lined streets made the downtown area both functional and picturesque. It’s a walker-friendly place, with expansive brick sidewalks and benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The downtown area is full of life, with local businesses occupying every corner.

A Scenic Walk on the Riverwalk

The Amesbury Riverwalk, a paved 1.3-mile trail, was our next stop. We encountered walkers, joggers, and bicyclists along the trail, which parallels the Powwow River and follows the historic Salisbury Branch of the Eastern Railroad. The trail, which connects to others like the Ghost Trail, Marsh Trail, and Clipper City Trail, provided some nice shady stretches. Along the way, we discovered painted rocks with positive messages like "Together We Can," "Peace," and "Love." The trail was a peaceful and uplifting experience, perfect for a family walk.

Al Capp Mural and Amphitheater

Our walk led us through some residential streets back toward downtown, where we discovered the Al Capp mural. Al Capp, a cartoonist best known for Li'l Abner, spent most of his life in Amesbury. Born in Connecticut, Capp lost his leg in a trolley car accident at age 9. He later met his wife at art school in Boston, and his comics reached over 60 million readers at their peak. Amesbury honors his legacy with this mural and the nearby Al Capp Amphitheater, which features tables, shade, a solar-powered charging station, musical flowers, and free public WiFi. The amphitheater was a fun and interactive spot for the kids.

Amesbury Carriage Museum

The highlight for the boys was the Amesbury Carriage Museum. The museum had an art installation of spinning gears etched with donor names, which made a lot of noise and was a hit with the kids. The museum is packed with artifacts like buggy wrenches, carriages, tools, bobbins, badges, bicycles, and more. It’s free to visit, though donations are appreciated, and it offers plenty of hands-on experiences for kids, including antique tools and machines they could try out.

Sweet Treats

No summer day out is complete without ice cream, so we headed to Hodgie’s Ice Cream. This great ice cream stand offered generous portions (the kiddie-sized dish of ice cream was huge!) and a wide variety of flavors. The staff was friendly, and there’s a shaded picnic area off to the side where we enjoyed our treats. Although they offer grilled food, we were all about the ice cream and slushes after our busy day.

Conclusion

Our day in Amesbury was filled with history, fun, and delicious treats. From exploring the charming downtown and walking along the Riverwalk to learning about Al Capp and spinning gears at the Carriage Museum, Amesbury offered a perfect mix of activities for the whole family. And of course, Hodgie’s Ice Cream was the cherry on top of a wonderful day. If you’re looking for a day trip that combines history, scenic walks, and family-friendly attractions, Amesbury is a fantastic choice. Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit!

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Auburn Adventures: Exploring Rockets and Parks in the Heart of Massachusetts

Today we turned a quick workshop activity in our second Walk 351 adventure! We ventured around Auburn, a town 16,889 people right outside of Worcester in central Massachusetts. After hammering away a good time at Home Depot, we checked out the Dr. Arthur & Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex, walked around the Pakachoag and Drury Square area, learned a bit about Dr. Robert Goddard, tried in vain to find lunch at a local mom and pop restaurant, hustled back to the car on a really humid afternoon before settling on an iconic New England franchise to cool down and have some lunch. 

Soccer Craft Kickoff

We started our morning at the Home Depot in Auburn, where we participated in a kids workshop to build a two-player soccer game. Home Depot and Lowe's both do these free monthly kids workshops where we can go and make something to bring home. Today was a cool soccer game. Using wood glue and nails, we assembled the wooden soccer pitch, added foam figures and dowels for the players, and finished it off with some stickers and the ball. It was a great experience to build something with our own hands and then have fun playing the game we just made.

Stepping Off at Pappas

After our soccer game creation, we headed over to the Dr. Arthur & Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex. Dr. Pappas was the team doctor for the Boston Red Sox for many years. The complex features multiple sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. We ran around a real turf soccer pitch, played a quick imaginary game, and enjoyed the open space. We had a blast running around and exploring the fields. It was in the 80s and really humid, and that turf field really heated up pretty quickly, so we decided we better get going on our walk around town. We walked down to Drury Square, and before the end of our time in Auburn we had walked 3.4 miles!

Launching Down to Goddard Park

Our next stop was Goddard Memorial Park, dedicated to Dr. Robert H. Goddard, the Father of American Rocketry. Dr. Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn on March 16, 1926. The park has a life-size model of his actual rocket, which was a lot smaller than the kids expected. It was fascinating to learn about Dr. Goddard's contributions to rocketry and how his work is commemorated in Auburn. The park also features a large rocket on display, representing his significant achievements. 

Failure to Launch Lunch

It was getting pretty sticky and hot as our walk wore on, and we were pretty eager to go inside and grab some lunch. We stopped at a couple local family restaurants, but unfortunately each of them were closed for the Independence Day holiday weekend. We didn't want to walk over to a fast food joint, so we hoofed it back up to the Pappas complex — where the boys took a quick detour to the playground — and jumped in the car. We tried one more local spot, which was also closed for the holiday weekend, before settling for a trip to Friendly's. This New England institution had a decent number of diners when we came in, but the waitress was attentive and the food came out pretty quickly. The boys were quite happy to have some ice cream to cap off a hot and muggy trip around Auburn.

Conclusion

Though we obviously needed to cross Auburn off the list at some point, today's trek was an impromptu one that developed while we were hammering away on our wooden soccer pitches at Home Depot. It worked out pretty well despite the humidity and lack of lunch options this time around. Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit!

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A Day in Barre: History, Nature, and Family Fun

Welcome to the first stop on our Walk 351 adventure! We're kicking off our journey in the charming town of Barre, Massachusetts. From a historic cemetery to a scenic dam, a delicious pizza break, and an exciting brewery with unique attractions, Barre offered us a fantastic mix of activities and discoveries. Join us as we explore this wonderful town!

Riverside Cemetery

We started our adventure at Riverside Cemetery, where we were particularly interested in the grave of Jacob Riis. Riis was a muckraking journalist and social reformer known for his work How the Other Half Lives, which exposed the harsh conditions of the poor in New York City's tenements and spurred significant social change. Later in life, Riis moved to a 200-acre farm on Hubbardston Road in Barre, a property he called Pine Brook Farm, where he lived until his death in 1914. His grave is marked by an unmarked granite boulder in Riverside Cemetery, though there is a marker outside the cemetery denoting his burial site.

While looking for Riis's grave, we spotted a grave that looked to have been visited often. The grave is covered with toys and stuffed animals for the six siblings, ages varying from six months old to nine years old, buried there.

Before diving into the story of the Naramore children, please be aware that the following section contains sensitive content. If you prefer, you can skip to the next heading.

Upon reading the back of the gravestone, I remembered reading about this case in Rachel Faugno's Murder & Mayhem in Central Massachusetts. The family was dirt poor, the children were malnourished, and Elizabeth Naramore was at wit's end. She sought help and was told their home was unfit for human habitation, she would have to leave her alcoholic husband, move into the poorhouse with baby Lena while the other five children would have to be placed with foster families. Unable to cope with this harsh reality, after her husband had left for the sawmill, she used an axe to murder her children before using razor blades in an effort to take her own life. She survived, however, and was committed to the state lunatic asylum.

Barre Falls Dam

Next, we visited Barre Falls Dam. We took a little walk around the property, which includes a disc golf course, then went down a couple flights of stairs to get a better look at the water at the base of the dam. The site, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is 557 acres of wetlands, forests, open fields, and river areas. It was a peaceful and scenic spot, perfect for a nature walk.

Downtown Barre

Our walk continued downtown, where we came upon a little free library. Both boys picked out books: our 8-year-old chose Al Capone Does My Shirts: A Tale From Alcatraz, since we'll be visiting Alcatraz later this summer, and the 6-year-old grabbed Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, a series both boys love. We plan to return these books, along with some of our own, to other little free libraries in our travels.

Ruggles Lane Elementary School Playground

We then stopped at the playgrounds at Ruggles Lane Elementary School. There are two playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing structures. Even mom got in on the fun! We also checked out the baseball field and played a little imaginary game.

Barre Pizza

To break up our walk, we stopped for lunch at Barre Pizza. We shared a cheese pizza and onion rings, enjoying a much-needed break from the heat and humidity with cold drinks. The pizza was delicious, and it was fun sitting at the counter.

Cook's Canyon

Our next stop was Cook's Canyon, managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. We walked down wooded trails for about 1.3 miles, walking over dirt paths, bog bridges, through clearings, and up and over some rocks. We even got to check out some running water. Unfortunately, the waterfall that is the main attraction of the canyon wasn't much of a waterfall during our visit, but it was still a fun time exploring the woods.

Stone Cow Brewery

We ended our day at Stone Cow Brewery, where we got to play around a bit more and grab some well-earned ice cream. They had a really cool tube slide that went through a hill, and it was fun going down that. Even mom and dad took turns going down the slide! We checked out a wooden teepee, fed a goat, and saw a couple of emus. The ice cream was fantastic—more than we expected and cost less than we thought. I love ice cream! Stone Cow Brewery was a hit, and we definitely want to go back someday.

Conclusion

Barre was a fantastic start to our Walk 351 adventure. From historical sites to fun playgrounds and delicious pizza, we enjoyed every moment as we covered 4.81 miles on foot! Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts! Don't forget to check out the YouTube video of our visit!

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Lacing 'em up

It all started with a random conversation in the car. One of the kids asked how many towns there were in Massachusetts, and soon enough the idea was born.

There are 351 towns and cities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, running from the Berkshires in the west all the way to Cape Cod in the east. As a family, we endeavor to get out and about to explore the world around us and experience all we can. It was during this fateful ride home that a new way to explore and experience our home state — taking a walk in each and every one of the 351 communities, documenting it as we go.

For this project, we're starting fresh, ignoring any previous walks and expeditions. No place would be grandfathered in and marked as complete, regardless of how much time we've previously spent strolling around there, running in 5K races, or otherwise. There will be other rules and requirements as we go. Our travels will need to be substantial enough to be considered a good walk, typically a couple of miles at least. We'll aim to check out what each city and town is known for, find town signage, visit monuments and memorials, and maybe even grab a bite to eat. Our walks may take us through downtown areas, residential neighborhoods, local cemeteries, and along rail trails and similar paths.

There may be times when a location is documented multiple times, particularly in cities with numerous neighborhoods and areas to explore. Walking around downtown Boston is not the same as checking out the North End or Southie.

Occasionally, we may find ourselves taking walks beyond the borders of Massachusetts. These could be documented here as side quests. We might have guests join us on our travels, and we'll always be open to suggestions on where to go, what to see, and what to do as we progress.

We'll document each and every one of these "Walk 351" excursions right here in this blog, as well as our Facebook page, Instagram, and we'll endeavor to do so via YouTube as well.