Category Archives: Massachusetts

Bridgewater Triangle Revisited

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🎃  A Halloween Haunting 👻

Happy Halloween, dear readers! Since today marks the spookiest day of the year, it felt like the perfect time to revisit one of the eeriest corners of Massachusetts—the infamous Bridgewater Triangle.

I first wrote about this mysterious region back in 2017 in a post aptly titled Bridgewater Triangle. At the time, it was still gaining traction in paranormal circles, having been introduced in the 1970s by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in his book Mysterious America. Since then, the legend has only grown.

📍 What Is the Bridgewater Triangle?

The Bridgewater Triangle spans roughly 200 square miles in Southeastern Massachusetts. Its three points are Abington, Rehoboth, and Freetown, but the interior includes a whole host of towns: Brockton, Whitman, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Middleboro, Dighton, Berkley, Raynham, Norton, Easton, Lakeville, Seekonk—and yes, Taunton. That means I’m right in the middle of it!

 

🧭 Why Now?

The Triangle recently resurfaced in pop culture thanks to an episode of Expedition X, one of Josh Gates’ paranormal adventure series. If you’ve followed Josh since Destination Truth launched in 2007, you’ve likely joined him on virtual journeys through Expedition Unknown, Legendary Locations, Expedition Files, and now Expedition X.

👽 Massachusetts’ Paranormal Hotspot

The Bridgewater Triangle is a magnet for the unexplained. Reports include UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, giant Thunderbirds, and the elusive Pukwudgie—small, human-like creatures from Wampanoag folklore. Their name translates to “little wild man of the woods that vanishes,” which feels especially fitting this time of year.

🕸️  Halloween Hotspots in the Triangle

If you’re feeling brave and want to explore the Triangle this Halloween, here are some of its most legendary—and spine-tingling—locations:

  • King Philip’s Cave (Norton, MA)
    Said to be the hiding place of Wampanoag Chief Metacomet (King Philip) during the final days of King Philip’s War (1675–1676).
  • Lake Nippenicket & Hockomock Swamp
    Often called the “Heart of the Triangle,” this area is steeped in local legend. It’s still on my must-visit list!
  • Solitude Stone (West Bridgewater)
    Tucked off Forest Street near the bridge, this mysterious stone bears an inscription that has puzzled visitors for decades.
  • Dighton Rock (Berkley, MA)
    A 40-ton boulder etched with ancient petroglyphs of unknown origin. Theories range from Native American carvings to Norse explorers.
  • Freetown-Fall River State Forest
    This forest has a dark reputation, with reports of cult activity, animal sacrifices, ritualistic murders, gang violence, and suicides. Not for the faint of heart.

There are more haunted spots—including several buildings at Bridgewater State University—but we’ll save those for another year.

🕷️ Until Then…


Wishing you a Spooktacular Halloween filled with mystery, magic, and maybe a few goosebumps. If you dare to explore the Triangle, let me know what you find… or what finds you.

 

Scenic Chair Lifts & Sky-High Leaf Peeping

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🎢 Scenic Chair Lifts & Sky-High Leaf Peeping: New England’s Autumn Adventures

Oh hey, Leaf Peepers 🍁—ready to elevate your fall foliage game? If you’re tired of craning your neck through car windows or dodging reflections off the windshield, New Hampshire and Vermont have a better idea: take to the skies.

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🎿 Chair Lifts & Gondolas with a View
Ski resorts across the region open their lifts to non-skiers each autumn, offering a bird’s-eye view of the blazing reds, golds, and oranges below. You’ll be strapped in, feet dangling, soaring over treetops like a migrating hawk. Feeling bold? Snap a few photos mid-air—if your nerves allow. Prefer something enclosed? Opt for a gondola ride, where you can enjoy the same stunning views from the comfort of a cozy cabin.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

🎢 But Wait—There’s More (Thrill Seekers, This One’s for You)

🎢 Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster – Berkshires, MA
If your idea of leaf peeping involves adrenaline and velocity, head to Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster in the Berkshires. This alpine coaster climbs 1,500 feet before plunging down Mount Institute in a blur of hairpin turns and forested speed. You might not catch every leaf, but your heart will definitely skip a beat.

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🚂 A More Sedate Journey

🚂 Conway Scenic Railroad – White Mountains, NH
For a gentler ride through fall’s splendor, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. Winding through the White Mountains, this vintage train offers panoramic views of Crawford Notch’s cliffs and fiery foliage. Want the ultimate experience? Splurge on a seat in the glass-domed car—360 degrees of autumn magic.

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🌳 Walk Among the Treetops

🌳 Canopy Walk – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Ever dreamed of strolling through the treetops? Vermont makes it real. The Canopy Walk at VINS invites visitors of all abilities to wander above the forest floor, immersed in golden leaves and birdsong. It’s peaceful, poetic, and perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone craving a gentle thrill.

Murch Canopy Walk Âť HF&G

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🧗 Zip Lines & Obstacle Courses

🧗 Adventure Park – Discovery Museum, Bridgeport, CT
Zip lines used to be a novelty—now they’re a staple of fall fun. At the Discovery Museum’s Adventure Park, you’ll zip through a kaleidoscope of leaves, suspended in midair like a squirrel on a mission. But that’s just the beginning: 14 treetop trails await, complete with swinging bridges, ladders, and cable runs. Friendly staff are on hand to help you gear up and get climbing.

The Adventure Park at Discovery Museum: Zipline & Rope Course

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🍂 Leaf Peeping, Reimagined

New England’s fall foliage isn’t just for slow drives and scenic overlooks anymore. Whether you’re gliding above the trees, racing through them, or walking among their golden crowns, there’s a thrill for every kind of adventurer. Seniors, families, daredevils—everyone’s invited to move leaf peeping off the ground and into the sky.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

Johnny Appleseed

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🍎 The Curious Legacy of Johnny Appleseed

Planting seeds of myth, nature, and kindness across early America

Who Was Johnny Appleseed?Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed wasn’t just a whimsical figure from folklore—he was a real man named John Chapman, born in 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. With a tin pot for a hat and bare feet toughened by miles of travel, Chapman became a symbol of simplicity, generosity, and harmony with nature. His mission? To plant apple orchards across the American frontier, offering sustenance and shade to settlers and wildlife alike.

Lancaster MA

A Life Rooted in Purpose

Chapman’s journey began in Pennsylvania and stretched westward into Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He didn’t scatter seeds randomly—he established nurseries, fenced them in, and returned regularly to tend them. His apples weren’t the sweet varieties we snack on today; they were mostly tart and used for cider, a staple in early American households.

A devout follower of the Swedenborgian faith, Chapman believed in living gently and spiritually. He was known for his kindness to animals, his deep connection to the land, and his ability to charm both Native American tribes and pioneer families. His barefoot wanderings and eccentric dress weren’t signs of poverty—they were expressions of his values.

Myth Meets Memory

Over time, Johnny Appleseed became a folk hero. Stories of him befriending wolves, sleeping under stars, and planting trees with divine purpose captured the imagination of generations. While some tales are embellished, the heart of his legacy remains: a man who walked with nature, gave freely, and left behind a living legacy of apple trees.

Apple Fruit Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

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🍏 Big Apple Pancake Recipe

Perfect for crisp mornings and cozy storytelling

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup All purpose flour
  • 1/2 Cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 TBS. butter or margarine- melted
  • 2 medium  apples peeled, cored, sliced
  • 1/2 Cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
  2. Mix sugar and cinnamon, set aside
  3. Mix flout, milk and eggs together.
  4. Melt butter in a 9 inch cast iron skillet
  5. Pour mixture into skillet. Place sliced apples on top of mixture
  6. Sprinkle with Cinnamon sugar mixture
  7. Bake 20-30 minutes. Crust will rise and turn brown when done
  8. Serve from Cast Iron skillet

pancake and photo by Deb Neumann

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and that align with the spirit of Around Dusty Roads.

 

It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann

 

 

Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary

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Forever Farm

🐾 Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Donkeys

Nestled in the heart of the community, Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers more than just shelter—it’s a haven of healing for animals and humans alike. Founded by my former supervisor at Redfin, Forever Farm is the living, breathing realization of her long-held dream. Watching her vision come to life has been a joy, and seeing the sanctuary grow feels like witnessing hope take root.

🫏 Make Way for Donkeys

The farm is home to a delightful mix of residents: chickens, goats, pigs (Peppa, Pumba, and Wilma), a tiny horse named Miracle, a big-hearted horse named Toughy, and—perhaps most notably—a growing herd of donkeys. At last count, there were eight: Prima, Gally, Kong, Trevor, Jackson, Jinx, Star, and Sedona. Each one has its own story, personality, and place in the pasture.

There’s something about Forever Farm that seems to call to donkeys in need. Whether it’s their gentle nature or the sanctuary’s open-hearted mission, more seem to arrive each season. No matter the number, each donkey is showered with love, care, and the kind of attention that turns rescue into restoration.

Toughy & Miracle

Photo: Toughy and Miracle – courtesy of Forever Farm

🌿 Events That Bring the Community Together

Forever Farm isn’t just a sanctuary—it’s a vibrant gathering place. Families can celebrate birthdays, stretch into serenity with yoga classes, or join seasonal festivities like Earth Day, Halloween, and Christmas. A recent highlight was “Senior Day,” a heartwarming event for guests over 50.

In partnership with Healing Path Care Farm, Forever Farm also hosts child-focused programs like Little Mindful Farmers and Barnyard Buddies, blending education, empathy, and animal encounters.

💛 Powered by Passion

Forever Farm runs almost entirely on volunteer energy and generous donations. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. Whether you’re looking to support, visit, or simply spread the word, this sanctuary is a place where kindness lives—and where donkeys always seem to find their way home.

Learn more about how to support the animals at The Forever Farm here

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Donkey Life at Forever Farm