Category Archives: Massachusetts

Looking for Cherry Blossoms?

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Boston's cherry blossoms with those lovely brownstones in the background

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Boston: A Springtime Stroll Through the City

Cherry blossom season in Boston is one of those blink‑and‑you‑miss‑it treasures. The blooms don’t linger long, but while they’re here, the city feels softer, sweeter, and just a little more magical. We may not have a national cherry blossom festival like Washington, D.C., but we do have pockets of pink that are every bit as lovely — and far easier to reach.

If you’re already in a spring mood (and who isn’t by late March?), here are the best places to catch Boston’s cherry trees in full blush.

🌸 Arnold Arboretum — Jamaica Plain

The Arboretum is the crown jewel of Boston blossoms. Everyone knows about the lilacs — and yes, they deserve their fame — but the cherry trees quietly steal the show in late April.

Winding paths, rolling hills, and clusters of cherry trees make this a perfect spot for a slow, fragrant wander. The Arboretum’s size means you can always find a peaceful corner, even on busy weekends.

 

 

Why go:

  • Gorgeous cherry trees scattered throughout the landscape
  • Peak bloom usually late April to early May
  • A serene alternative to D.C.’s crowds
  • Taiko drumming by Odaiko New England and KASA Taiko, a celebration of Japanese culture

If you want to stroll under a canopy of petals, this is the place to start.

🌸 Charles River Esplanade — Back Bay

The Esplanade is a springtime dream. Cherry trees line the river, creating postcard‑worthy views with the water sparkling behind them. On a sunny day, the blossoms practically glow.

Why go:

  • Stunning river views
  • Great for photos
  • Perfect for a walk, bike ride, or quiet sit on a bench

This is one of those spots where you suddenly remember why you put up with New England winters.

🌸 Boston Public Garden — Downtown

The Public Garden is iconic year‑round, but in cherry blossom season it becomes downright romantic. Blossoms frame the lagoon, swan boats glide by, and the willows add their own soft green curtain to the scene.

Why go:

  • Blossoms near the water
  • Classic Boston scenery
  • A perfect spot for a leisurely loop

It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a bench and feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.

🌸 Back Bay Fens — Fenway

If you prefer your blossoms with a quieter, more local vibe, the Fens is your spot. Cherry trees bloom along the paths and near the historic stone bridges, giving the whole area a gentle, early‑spring charm.

Why go:

  • Less crowded
  • Lovely morning light
  • Blossoms mixed with early greenery

A great choice for people who like their spring strolls peaceful.

🌸 Brookline’s Amory Park & Hall’s Pond Sanctuary

Just outside Boston proper, but absolutely worth the short hop. Brookline always feels like a softer, quieter cousin to the city, and the cherry blossoms fit right in.

Why go:

  • Cherry trees along the park edges
  • A tranquil pond setting
  • Easy to pair with a visit to Coolidge Corner

It’s a perfect “bonus stop” if you’re already exploring the area.

🌸 When to Catch the Blossoms

Boston’s cherry blossoms typically bloom late April to early May, though Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing. A warm spell can hurry things along; a cold snap can slow them down.

If you’re local, the best strategy is simple:
Take a walk. Let the trees surprise you.

 

A Season of Blossoms and Little Joys

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"In a world lost in delusion, a single daffodil quietly announces the arrival of spring." — Unknown

Spring in New England

Spring in New England never tiptoes in quietly. It arrives in a burst of color, fragrance, and that unmistakable feeling that the world is waking up again. As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but around here the blooms don’t wait for May. They start popping up in April—sometimes even earlier if they’re feeling bold.

I started planning my flower excursions back in March so I wouldn’t miss even the tiniest daffodil peeking up from the soil. This year’s list includes some old favorites and a few new spots I’m excited to explore. Maybe you’ll find a place that catches your fancy too.

🌼 Daffodils: The First Cheerful Faces of Spring

Doesn’t everyone love those quirky, sunshine‑yellow daffodils? National Daffodil Day may be celebrated on August 31, but judging by when these little charmers poke their heads out, that feels a bit late. I’ve seen daffodils shining through lingering snowbanks—true New Englanders through and through.

Peak daffodil season here usually hits around mid‑April. If you want to be surrounded by golden waves, two standout spots are:

Both offer sweeping displays that feel like stepping into a spring postcard.

🌷 Tulips: A Short‑Lived but Spectacular Show

We may not be Holland, but we certainly try to give the Dutch a run for their money. Here in Taunton, tulips decorate the Taunton Green each spring, circling statues and monuments along Route 44. They don’t last long—blink and you’ll miss them—so timing is everything.

For a more immersive tulip experience, head to:

This U‑Pick farm runs from late April to early May. Tickets are required (entries are timed to keep the fields peaceful), and each ticket includes 10 tulips to take home. It’s a spring ritual worth making room for.

🌹 Roses: The Grand Finale of Spring Blooms

By mid‑June, roses take center stage and keep the flower season rolling. If you’re a rose lover, you owe yourself a trip to:

This is the first municipal rose garden in the United States, and it shows. Greenhouses, nature walks, rock gardens, and thousands of roses create a dreamy landscape. Their spring greenhouse displays also feature daffodils, tulips, and other seasonal favorites—so even if you arrive before peak rose season, there’s still plenty to enjoy.

🌸 Lilacs & Cherry Blossoms at the Arnold Arboretum

Now we come to my personal favorite:
The Arnold Arboretum — Boston, MA

Part of Harvard University, this 281‑acre oasis is a springtime treasure. Around Mother’s Day, the Arboretum celebrates the Lilac Bloom, and the air becomes saturated with that unmistakable lilac fragrance.

Lilac's drape over a fence in Taunton MA as spring breaks into full bloom

 

But here’s a delightful bonus:
You can also see cherry blossoms here. No need to trek to Washington, D.C.—unless you want the full Tidal Basin experience. My own attempt to see the D.C. cherry blossoms was frozen out by an ice storm, but the monuments were lovely. If we get an ice storm here, at least I won’t have to travel far to try again.

🌿 Backup Gardens Worth a Detour

Spring is generous in New England, and there’s no shortage of gardens to explore. If you’re looking for alternatives—or just want to keep the flower fun going—these spots never disappoint:

  • Tower Hill Botanic Garden — Boylston, MA
  • Heritage Museums & Gardens — Sandwich, MA
  • The Bridge of Flowers — Shelburne Falls, MA

Bridge of flowers in Shelbourne MA

Each offers its own charm, from curated landscapes to whimsical walking paths.

 

🌞 All We Need Now Is a Warm Day

Spring is right on the edge of bursting open. A couple of warm days and the whole region will be glowing with color. Whether you’re chasing daffodils, tulips, lilacs, or roses, there’s something magical waiting just around the corner.

Let the flower adventures begin.

 

Opening Day at Fenway Park: When New England Finally Thaws Out

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Crowds gather on Landsdown St for the opening day of baseball season

The Sights, the Smells, and the Sacred RitualsIt's Wally the Boston Red Sox Mascot leading the cheers

The roar of the crowd. The smell of peanuts, popcorn, and—dare we ask—Cracker Jack. Does anyone still buy Cracker Jack? Another cherished ballpark tradition may be fading, but in New England, the spirit of Opening Day is alive and well. Fan or not, this is one of the biggest unofficial holidays of the year.

Today is Opening Day at Fenway Park, and Red Sox Nation is buzzing. Another season with the Boys of Summer has officially begun.

Why the “Real” Season Starts in Boston

Sure, the technical first game of the 2026 MLB season happened on March 26, when the Yankees (the Evil Empire, for any troglodytes still living in a cave) faced the San Francisco Giants—formerly the New York Giants, for the history buffs.

But that game took place in Oracle Park, California. And everyone in Boston knows that if it didn’t happen at Fenway, it doesn’t count.

The 2026 baseball season doesn’t truly begin until the crack of the bat echoes off the Green Monster and the crowd erupts on Lansdowne Street. That’s when New England finally exhales and says, “Okay. Now it’s spring.”

A Word of Warning for Non‑Fans

If—God forbid—you aren’t a baseball fan, today is not the day to stroll the Freedom Trail or attempt a peaceful afternoon in the city. Boston will be overflowing with fans who are loud, proud, and fully caffeinated. Give the city a wide berth unless you’re prepared to be swept into the madness.

Ballpark Eats: Fenway Levels Up

Gone are the days when peanuts and hot dogs were your only options. Today’s Fenway menu reads like a food festival:

New Additions

  • Cowboy Up! Burger
  • Clam chowder and lobster bisque in bread bowls
  • Street tacos
  • Gourmet grilled cheese
  • ¾‑lb cookies
  • Sicilian‑style pizza

Beloved Classics

  • Fenway Franks
  • Lobster and crab rolls
  • Burritos
  • Chicken tenders
  • Cheesesteak
  • And yes… Irish Nachos (waffle fries topped with corned beef, queso, and sauerkraut—chaos in a bowl, but who’s complaining)

Wash it all down with a craft beer, then grab a Boston Cream Pie dessert behind home plate or churros with chocolate dipping sauce. One thing is certain: nobody leaves Fenway hungry.

Will Red Sox Nation Celebrate or Sulk?

As of “press time,” the outcome of today’s game is still unknown. Will the faithful walk out with their heads held high, or will they slink off to drown their sorrows in another round of craft beer?

Either way, Opening Day at Fenway is more than a game—it’s a New England rite of passage. And today, the heart of Boston beats just a little louder.

 

Chasing Giants: A Lifetime of Whale Watching From New England to Alaska and Hawaii

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The Early Years: Cape Ann and the Thrill of Discovery

For years I chased humpback whales up and down the New England coast. This was no small feat for someone with a tendency toward seasickness, but the call of the ocean—and the promise of seeing those magnificent creatures—was stronger than my stomach. One of my earliest and most unforgettable trips was out of Gloucester, heading toward Stellwagen Bank. I was new to Massachusetts then, freshly transplanted from New York and convinced I wouldn’t be here long. So I crammed every adventure I could into those first months.

Now, nearly fifty years later, I’m still here. And that Cape Ann whale watch remains one of the highlights of my early Massachusetts life.

That day, we found ourselves surrounded by humpbacks bubble‑net feeding—so close to the boat you felt like you could reach out and touch them. (We didn’t, of course.) For years afterward, people insisted that New England humpbacks don’t bubble‑net feed. I always love when nature proves the experts wrong. It’s a reminder of how much we’ve learned—and how much we’re still learning.

Boston and Plymouth: Rituals on the Water

I tried a few whale watches out of Boston next. Bigger boats, higher decks, great views—fun, but nothing quite matched the raw magic of that Cape Ann trip.

Eventually I migrated south to Plymouth and became a regular on Captain John’s Boats. Those summer trips became a ritual. It was on one of those outings that I photographed my first breaching whale—a moment that still ranks among my favorite memories.

Hawaii: The Heart’s Home

My whale watching didn’t stop at New England. I found the home of my heart in Hawaii and made annual February trips for years. February is peak migration season, and I often watched whales right from the breakfast table.

I joined the Pacific Whale Foundation and went on their photography expeditions. That’s where I captured my first baby‑whale breach and listened to whale songs through hydrophones dropped over the side of the boat. Pure magic.

Breaching Humpback Calf

It’s just a baby

Alaska: Cold, Raw, and Unforgettable

Then there was Alaska—nothing warm or tropical about that trip. It was cold, wet, raw, and absolutely worth it. The boat was smaller, the whales cruised close to the surface, and we always knew where to look when we heard the whoosh of their breath.

Alaska offers something New England and Hawaii don’t: variety. Humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, belugas—and if luck is really on your side, maybe even a narwhal or a sperm whale. Spring can be beautiful there, but in 2013 we went in May, which turned out to be too early for sunshine. My advice? Aim for June or later.

Why It Matters

No matter where you go—New England, Hawaii, Alaska—whales are magnificent creatures deserving of every conservation effort we can muster. Their importance is so universal that even the Star Trek universe built a whole movie around saving them. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, for fellow fans.)

If the Federation thinks whales are worth saving, who am I to argue?
Live long and prosper.

 

Why I Might Just Stay Put in Massachusetts

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3 Reasons Why Massachusetts Might Still Be the Best Place to Retire

After another long snowstorm, I stopped and asked myself why I wanted to leave a state I’ve lived in for more than fifty years. I hate the cold now. Traffic makes simple day trips feel impossible. And I’ve listened to too many people who left with a grudge and want company. But when I looked past the frustration, I remembered why I stayed so long—and why staying might not be so bad.

Weather and Natural Beauty

Massachusetts gives you four real seasons. Winter drags, but spring brings color and birdsong. Summer offers beaches and warm nights. Fall steals the show with bright leaves and crisp air. The state packs a lot into a small space: coastline, forests, mountains, islands, and quiet towns. Many places also come with a story, which adds charm to every trip.

 

A Lifestyle Full of History and Culture

If you love history, this state delivers. The Pilgrims, the Revolution, the witch trials, and so many writers and thinkers left their mark here. You can walk through centuries in a single afternoon. Museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals fill the calendar. And sports? People here treat their teams like family. It’s loud, loyal, and part of the culture.

Boston Marathon

Quality of Life That Works for Retirees

Massachusetts isn’t cheap, but it offers strong benefits. Social Security isn’t taxed. Healthcare ranks among the best in the country. Smaller towns—especially west of Boston—cost less and are easy to walk. Locals may seem blunt, but they protect their communities and welcome people who respect them. Diversity isn’t just accepted here. People defend it.

Wicked Boston said it best when they posted this:

 

Massachusetts has its flaws. Winter is long, and traffic tests your patience. But the state also offers beauty, history, culture, and excellent healthcare. After fifty years, maybe there’s a reason I never packed up and left.

Where do you think is the best place to retire—and why?