Winter Island Park

What have all of my blog posts from 2015 had in common? They’ve all featured me complaining about the nasty winter New England has had. But I’m so done ranting about that topic, as I’m sure you are too, because it’s the second day of spring!! And my hope is that by publishing this post about Winter Island, the weather will ironically start behaving like spring. I know that thought is irrational, but one can dream!

Winter Island is a 45 acred island connected to Salem Neck in Salem, Massachusetts. It is surrounded by Smith Pool, Cat Cove, Salem Channel, and Juniper Cove. In 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Archeological District. Of all the places I have blogged about, this destination definitely has one of the most fascinating stories. 

This tiny island may seem insignificant, but it has been the home of the Native American Naumkeags, the birthplace of Salem’s first fishing and ship building industry, and a military establishment from the War of Independence to World War II.

It received its name because it guarded fishing boats during the harsh winter season. Eventually people began building houses along Salem Neck, and in 1637 a public house was licensed here to meet the needs of people traveling here. Winter Island didn't offer shelter and protection to just civilians, but the military as well. In 1643, the first fort was established. These forts reached colonial fame when Salem became the only port in New England not captured during the American Resolution. 

Another wave of change Winter Island brought to Salem was during the eighteenth century when it became the sight for the ship building industry. The 800-ton Frigate U.S.S Essex, completed in 1799, was the largest ship Salem ever made and it was given to the US Navy. Before it was captured in a sea battle near Chile, it seized over a dozen ships during the War of 1812. The city of Salem is such a huge symbol to American maritime that many things at my college are named after shipping terminology- Clipper Card (student/faculty IDs), Navigator (online portal), The Log (student newspaper). Today,  people can keep their sailboats here and take them out on the ocean during the nice weather. 

Though Winter Island is now a family-friendly locale for people to swim at and enjoy a picnic, from 1772 to 1821, it held the execution of four. Yes, Winter Island was also known as Execution Hill. It was selected to hold such morbid events because its open space could accommodate for tens of thousands. The last person executed here was sixteen-year-old Stephen Clark for possessing arson. At the time, Salem's population was less than 8,000, but close to 20,000 people from  across several regions witnessed Clark take the gallows. This case sparked so much controversy, petitions were written up to reconsider the use of the death penalty. Capital punishment in Massachusetts was legal from 1620 to 1984, however, the last execution happened in 1947.

The only things remaining on the island from the nineteenth century is the lighthouse and the Plummer Home for Boys. 

In 1869, $30,000 was used to finance construction of three small lighthouses along the North Shore to enable vessels to enter the harbor. 

Founded through the will of Caroline Plummer, the agenda of the Plummer Home for Boys is "that children need families, skills and community to become healthy adults."  

Though Winter Island is no longer under the control of the federal government, history is still being made here; it's just more personal and individualized. Today, this site is an RV park, popular during the summer months. It is here many city residents gather to watch Fourth of July fireworks, and private and public events draw people from all over the country. In a fortunate twist of fate, the new legacy of Winter Island is of happiness, laughter and love. Here's hoping those kind of memories are in the near future! 

50 Winter Island Road 

Salem, Massachusetts 01970

#978-745-9430 

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Blogging Update

These past two weeks I was hit hard with schoolwork as my university prepared for spring break, so my second blog post for March will be up next Sunday, March 22. In the meantime, check out Art Tease  Magazine (http://www.artteasemagazine.com).  It's an e-zine about the best of Greater Boston art and culture, and tomorrow they will be publishing a piece I wrote on Salem State University' recent production of "And Yet We Go On." 

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Parker's Maple Barn

Because my dad is an excellent cook and breakfast is my family’s favorite meal, the only place we go to for breakfast is Parker’s Maple Barn. Parker’s Maple Barn is a family establishment located in the quaint country town of Mason, New Hampshire, a town historically known as the boyhood home of “Uncle Sam” and illustrator/writer of children’s books, Elizabeth Orton Jones. 

The building Parker's now occupies was built 1782 and was the home of an early American family called “The Laurels”. In the 1930s, the place was purchased by William Buzzell who operated it as a dairy farm until the 1950s when the Parkers family bought it to serve as their home. When the barn got passed down to Ray Parker and his brother in 1969, they decided to reconstruct the beloved place into a family establishment. It began as being nothing more than a small Sugar House, but since 1987 Parker`s Maple Barn has become well-known throughout New England for their famous hearty breakfast and lunch. 

The most popular order on the menu is, The "Parker`s Special"- which consists of two eggs, two pancakes (or one French Toast), two bacon, two sausages and ham (or ham hash), home fries, and toast. My dad orders that, and since I didn’t have the stomach to wolf down that much I ask for the “Mini Parker Special”, which is the exact same order only you get one of everything instead of two. My parents and I all ordered their Pumpkin Pancakes, which are the size of an average plate, because you can’t go to Parker’s without having their maple syrup. Parker’s makes their maple syrup from the surrounding trees the old fashioned way by using wood fire. Their Sugar House is in full operation from March until mid-April every year. During the sugar season, the wait can be a half an hour  so I’d recommend touring the Sugar House or checking out the Corn Crib Gift Shop, which sells maple products and Native American arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry. 

      From when my family and I went in December. 

You might think my family is crazy because our drive to Parker’s takes us an hour, but going to Parker’s is only a yearly or bi-yearly treat for us. Another thing that makes Parkers exceptional is the experience. Parker’s is located in the middle of a winding country road, far from crowded and noisy neighborhoods. In fact, Parker’s is so isolated that most people find it by accident when they are out looking at foliage. The interior is charming as well with its high ceilings, wood burning stoves (the barn’s only source of heat), and old farming tools and touristy knick-knacks adorning the walls. Amazing food and a serene atmosphere, what’s not enchanting about going to Parker’s? 

1316 Brookline Road
Mason, NH 03048
(603) 878-2308

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Winter 2015

Hey New Englanders! Hope you've all been surviving the snowpocalypse. If any of you reading this post are not from the Northeastern United States,  these past two months we have had bone-chilling temperatures and record-setting snowfall. This February has become the snowiest month for us since record-keeping started in 1872, with 45.5 inches; but in total, we've been hit with 90.2 inches, 7.5 feet, since the new year.And if that doesn't blow your mind already, there are still chances we could get even more snow as there is still a month and a half left of winter! It's been a winter I'll never forget, but hopefully one I'll never experience again! 

Here is a batch of pictures from the February 15th snow storm. 

   

Howling Wolf Taqueria

Fact: people eat more during the winter than they do any other season, and I know all of my blog posts for 2015 can surely attest to that as they have all been dining-related. I think one of the reasons why we consume more now is because we need an extra layer of insulation to stay warm. I mentioned today’s subject in a blog post from May (http://wickedblogger20.blogspot.com/2015/01/mexico-lindo.html), and I am excited to finally be spotlighting it. The Howling Wolf Taqueria in Salem, Massachusetts offers up melt-in-your mouth, muy caliente food, and is the best Mexican restaurant around! 

Transplanted Californians and New Mexicans will think they have been transported home when they sink their teeth into one of the items off of Howling Wolf’s ample menu of Mexican fare. Funky, but unpretentious, this restaurant is located in the heart of Downtown Salem, and is an affordable half-Taqueria half-Tequilla Bar. Mondays Beeriot Night (1 burrito and 1 of draft beer for $9.95), Tuesdays are $2 Tacos, and Wednesdays are Wild Wing Wednesdays ($.30 Mexican wings).  For the past three years, Howling Wolf has been voted the #1 Choice for Mexican Restaurant in Salem and has earned Regional Gold in the region by Wicked Local readers. Additionally, they have been featured on the TV shows Chronicle, Phantom Gourmet, and TV Diner. 

Something you can expect every time you come to Howling Wolf is it to be packed! Interestingly though, their host will never write your name down, but will always remember to seat you before the pack of wolves who came after you. Their patient and friendly staff should be  celebrated as much as their food. I swear the whole staff posses super powers because they all work  at lightning fast pace and never crack under pressure. 

Howling Wolf cite ‘freshness, flavor and value of food and drink’ as their ‘highest priorities.’Their staff, led by a Guadalajar chef,  use only the freshest ingredients and make everything daily, including their crisp tortilla chips.  My favorite items are their quesadillas and burritos. Holy Guacamole! 

Their is no denying that this winter has been hard. One of the best ways to cope with the February blues is going out, but unfortunately this year, us New Englanders have been forced to hibernate more often than not. But if you live in Salem, the best part is, Howling Wolf delivers! The only thing is if you don’t reside in the Downtown area, your delivery has to be a minimum of $20. Although dates to Howling Wolf should not be missed! The atmosphere here is fun and casual. On Mondays, they do Stump Trivia, and live music is performed on the weekend. So if your Valentine's Day plans fell thru this weekend, I would definitely recommend rekindling things with your 'wolf' in this hole-in-the-wall joint as the experience will leave anyone howling with joy! 

Howling Wolf Taqueria 
76 Lafayette Street 
Salem, Massachusetts 01970 
#978-744-9653

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Jaho's Coffee & Tea

I hate winter, and after New England was hit by Storm Juno last Monday, my distaste for the season has grown even more so. One of the best tweets I have ever read has been: ‘why is that February drags along like a sloth tugging a garbage truck, but I blink and June is over?’ Excellent question! But something that has been making this winter more bearable has been coffee shops. Central Perk may have been the favorite spot for the characters from Friends, but for me, Renee Zellweger, and Angie Miller, the second-runner up from season twelve of American Idol, it’s Jaho’s Coffee and Tea in Salem, Massachusetts. 

Celebrities enjoying their Jaho's fix. Pictures courtesy of Jaho's Twitter. 

Founder Anil Mezini was inspired to start his own business after traveling the globe. It was in Italy where he grew to understand fine brews, and in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea where he became passionate about tea. Recently, Jaho's was awarded the Best Coffee Shop 2014 by North Shore Magazine. Besides their over fifty fair trade beans and loose leaf teas (impressive number there!), Jaho’s also serves bagels, baked goods, gelato, and artisan sandwiches. You can also purchase paintings their, and online you can order their drinks and tea accessories.

The most unique thing about Jaho's is they have Zodiac Tea! Here is what is inside each sign’s signature tea. 

Capricorn (December 22- January 19): Even the most stubborn Capricorn cannot resist this unique blend of Coconut black tea.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18): A spiritual blend of black tea, wild berries, strawberries and blueberries that only an Aquarius could handle.

Pisces (February 19-March 20): A smooth, fruit blend of plum and cinnamon for the sensitive Pisces. Caffeine free.

Aries (March 21-April 19): This is a fine energetic blend of black tea flavored with Apricot Brandy, perfect for the courageous Aries.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Heavenly combination of black tea and lemon for the traditional Taurus.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): A clever blend of Mango and black tea, sure to impress even the most discerning Gemini.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): Inspiration. Sensitivity. Evasiveness. This is what a Cancer experiences upon tasting this tropical blend.

Leo(July 23-August 22) This special blend of the finest Masala Chai is a perfect match for the powerful Leo.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): A logical combination of black tea and vanilla will delight the always logical Virgo.

Libra (September 23-October 22): The Libra will enjoy this harmonious blend of ginger, fruit and black tea.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): A mysterious blend of oranges, black teas and spice to satisfy the thirst of the Scorpio.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Strong and flavorful, this blend of Passion Fruit and black tea should do justice to the Sagittarius. 

While I don’t believe we should live our lives according to alignment of the stars, I do believe I possess the main characteristics of my sign, Libra, and funnily enough my two favorite types of tea are what make up a Libra speciality. During my latest visit, I tried Sagittarius and it was divine! 

Sagittarius Tea- half Passion Fruit, half Black Tea. I loved the color the water turned to when the tea steeped. It reminded me of beautiful,burning fall leaves. 

The chocolate chip cookie is the official cookie of Massachusetts,

and Jaho's knows how to make them. Look at the chunks!

I think the hardest thing about February is the cabin fever. It’s been scientifically proven that soldiery confinement is one of the worst things you can do to your body, and going to Jaho’s lately, whether it’s been to catch up with friends or get some homework done, has been lovely. The other day on Facebook, my friend’s mom shared a post from the page, Humans of New York. The person profiled was a 93-year-old women named Mary and she had this to say: "If you force yourself to go outside, something wonderful always happens!" I can’t wait for spring and summer when I can enjoy my beverage at Jaho’s outdoor seating, but I think it’s essential in the winter that everyone takes the extra measure to brace the cold and get out because being at home on your laptop all day is deteriorating to your overall well-being. I would like to end this blog post with a quote from Jaho’s website: 

“We love coffee, we love tea, we love great food. We love sitting in a relaxing café and watching the world go by. And, most of all, we love trying new things, meeting new people and traveling to new, exciting places.To us, life is a journey filled with beautiful pictures, far-away places, new tastes, good friends and the stories that we all share. We hope you’ll join us in our journey and share your own experiences. Finally, we hope you’ll enjoy everything you try at Jaho's as much as we do.”

Jaho's Coffee & Tea
197 Derby Street 
Salem, Massachusetts 01970 
#978-744-4300

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Travel Talks

If you're in New England, today is by no means the day for traveling, but here some awesome travel quotes you can apply to your life once Storm Juno passes.