There is nothing quite like New England in the summertime. Our family loves to travel, and since we had a custom table to deliver to one of our customer’s homes in Massachusetts, we took the opportunity to make a road trip out of it!! Come along to get a peek at our recent trip.
On this trip, we took just two of our boys with us - Luke, our second oldest, and Josiah, our youngest. The combination was great, and it was really nice to spend more quality time with them while two of our boys got to spend time with family back at home and our oldest helped run the warehouse.
Delicious breakfast and a little tour of Salem, MA
Our first stop was in Salem, MA. Along the way, Josiah did some online tutoring (one of the perks of owning a business & homeschooling!). We made it to Salem late our first night, so it wasn’t until the next morning that we did some exploring. We went to a cool diner in downtown Salem for breakfast - as you can see, Josiah loved his meal. Unfortunately, it was raining that day so we didn’t explore the city too much, but we were glad for the stopover. Always wanted to see Salem so now we can scratch that off the list.
Then we moved on up the coast towards our final destination. We just love New England - the peaceful serenity of the water, seeing all the boats and lobster traps. It’s safe to say that it is one of my happy places.
On the way to our hotel, we stopped to do a hike in Rockport, MA, at Halibut Point State Park. Our hike took us down to the water, where we explored a bunch of wildlife. It had an amazing rocky coastline, another thing that we love about New England.
Exploring Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, MA
That evening we stayed at Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks in Gloucester, MA. It was right on the water, just a beautiful hotel. One of the big perks of traveling mid-week is being able to get some great prices at lovely lodging like this one! Our room had an ocean view on both sides - it was probably one of the best rooms there! We were sad we could only stay one night.
We went out to a great dinner that night and had a lobster roll - something that I always have to do when I visit New England. Then we spent the evening relaxing away at the hotel while the boys enjoyed the pool, hot tub, and some baseball.
A perfect New England evening - including Lobster Rolls!
The next morning it was time to deliver the table to our customer’s home. To be honest, they were one of the nicest customers we’ve ever had -just so kind and inviting as they welcomed us into their beautiful home on the bay.
Delivering a custom-built walnut dining table to our customer in Gloucester, MA
We custom-designed and built this walnut live edge table with a gorgeous dolphin gray epoxy river running through it. The view of the water out the dining room window complemented the river perfectly! Its twisted knuckle steel base, one of our most popular base designs, brought just the right amount of modern flair to this Massachusetts home.
(This delivery included only one of two tables our customer purchased from us; the second will be heading to their vacation home in New Hampshire. This wonderful, down-to-earth couple even invited us to come stay at their home there when we deliver their next table - and we may just take them up on that!)
Custom- built live edge walnut dining table with dolphin gray epoxy river
With the table safe and sound in its now forever home, we headed out on a whale watch boat tour. It was a record day for whale sightings - they hadn’t had a day like that in the longest time. I took so many photos and videos, it was incredible! I don’t know that the boys appreciated it as much, but I think they will look back on it one day fondly.
Side note: the boys and I sat in the part of the boat where you can get the most seasick -but what can we say, we are seafarers. :) I grew up on a sailboat on the ocean! Shaun on the other hand had to sit up top on the boat outside, in the spot where you would get the least seasick, where you can look out on the horizon. Thankfully, there was no seasickness for any of us!
Enjoying a New England Whale Watch Tour
On our way home, we made our last stop driving through Boston. The Celtics were playing in one of their final games of the playoffs, and we could feel the energy in the city. It was really cool to experience as we went right by the stadium. But, we wanted to get away from the crowds, so instead, we went to the Boston Red Socks stadium. (Josiah loves baseball!) We went to a great bar for dinner with a view of the stadium - another “must-do” in my book when visiting Boston.
Taking in the Boston stadiums on the way home
All in all, it was simply a wonderful trip. It was nice just having two boys with us so we could spend more quality time together. Honestly -it was one of the best trips I’ve had in a long time, and it was only three days!
Thanks for coming along with us on this stunning trip to New England. Check back often for more family adventures Behind the Red Door!
