Looking for a day trip to escape the city this summer and don't have car? Or perhaps you have a car and are looking for a more relaxing and sustainable way to get out of town. In the last year and a half, I've done a number of weekend day trips and here are my picks for best suburban destination, broken up by departure station and rail line. These choices are based on my experience of actually traveling there, or familiarity with the town and how close the train station is to the sites. Go to the MBTA's website for schedules and more detail.
Departing North Station:
Rockport Line
Top Pick: Rockport (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 70 minutes)
This line has so many choices, it's hard to pick just one (I actually cheated by breaking off the Newburyport line as separate). Salem has its witches and Peabody Essex Museum, Manchester its Singing Beach, and Gloucester its historical harbor, but in my opinion Rockport is the definition of quintessential New England. Its small harbor is picturesque and is still the home of some working lobster boats. Bear Neck and the surrounding town is a compact shopping district with plenty of restaurants. Additionally, unlike some seaside towns, you can just walk a couple blocks down the street and get in the water at Front Beach. Everything is easily walkable from the train station, but to make more of your visit, bring your bike and explore Cape Ann.
Honorable Mention: Salem
Newburyport Line
Top Pick: Newburyport (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 60 minutes)
Newburyport is the terminus of the other spur of the Rockport/Newburyport line and like its brethren is my top destination. It is another port city steeped in history with a small but vibrant downtown with even more shops and restaurants than Rockport. It is located at the mouth of the Merrimack River and offers plenty of entertainment options, from whale watching and deep sea fishing to eco-tours of nearby Plum Island. The only downside is the lack of beach access without a bike or some other way to get you to Plum Island.
Honorable Mention: Ipswich
Haverhill Line
Top Pick: Wakefield (Zone 2: $4.75, Weekend travel time: 23 minutes)
This is probably the best option on a line otherwise lacking in destinations. Wakefield has a decently compact town center with the highlight being Lake Quannapowitt, which is circled by a nice walking trail.
Lowell Line
Top Pick: Lowell (Zone 6: $6.75, Weekend travel time: 43 minutes)
Although not a real glamorous city, Lowell is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and has revitalized its downtown recently and has some charm with old brick buildings and cobblestone streets. You can learn about what life was like for mill girls at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum or take in a game at one of Lowell's two (that's right two!) minor league sports teams, AHL Devils and Single A Red Sox. It's a bit of a walk from the train station to the heart of the city, but there is local bus service.
Fitchburg/South Acton Line
Top Pick: Concord (Zone 5: $6.25, Weekend travel time: 42 minutes)
This historic town of Revolutionary War fame boasts a compact center with shops and restaurants. The preserved village green and North Bridge, site of the first real battle of the Revolution, are within walking distance of the train station. Bring your bike and much of the rest of Minuteman National Historical Park is within reach. A short ride also brings you to Walden Pond State Reservation where you can go for a swim in Walden Pond.
Departing South Station:
Providence/Stoughton Line
Top Pick: Providence (Zone 8: $7.75, Weekend travel time: 65 minutes)
Providence is a city in its own right and is a great destination for a weekend getaway. It boasts a compact and walkable downtown, although it also has its own transit system, RIPTA. You can even grab a bus down to Newport or other RI destinations if you desire. Amtrak service along the NEC provides an even faster and more comfortable train ride down to the city. During the summer, WaterFire is a must see event with music and bonfires on the Providence River. The city also boasts Brown, the Bruins AHL affiliate, and an Italian neighborhood, Federal Hill, that rivals the North End.
I must admit that I am not as familiar with most of the towns south of Boston, not having grown up there, so I can't offer as much advice on which destinations you may want to travel to. That said, I'm not sure there are a lot of worthy destinations. The only plausible one left out is Plymouth, but since I'm not sure where the train station is, I can't recommend it.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day - A Good Weekend for Trains
I was able to get out and about this Memorial Day Weekend AND leave my car behind! I always feel more liberated knowing I can travel sustainably (and incrementally for free using my monthly pass) just about anywhere I want to go by making use of the MBTA system. In all, I saved at least 160 miles of driving this weekend by choosing to make all of my trips by train. First, I left my car in South Acton as I usually do. By making 2/3 of my commute by train, I save 20 miles each way. Next, to go visit my parents for the holiday, I rode the Lowell line up to Wilmington, a savings once again of about 20 miles each way. Finally, Ann and I went to Newburyport on Monday from North Station saving a round trip of over 80 miles. It was nice to not have to worry about fighting holiday traffic and to be able to make my morning train today instead of having to drive through rush hour out of Davis. As I'm sure I've mentioned, I just find the time on the train more relaxing; it's a good chance to get some reading done, you save wear and tear on your car, and of course it's nice to know you're using and supporting sustainable transit instead of causing more congestion and pollution for everyone.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Earth Day and Greenwashing
I took this write-up from the Center for Biological Diversity email digest that I get on a weekly basis. I must say it encapsulates the hopes and fears of the environmental movement pretty accurately. I personally think there are too many gimmicky 'Green' things going on right now. I think it's good that people are finally 'aware' that they have an effect on the planet, but a lot of it is definitely corporations trying to make people feel good about themselves and, oh yeah, buy more of their product. Overpopulation is the simplest cause of environmental degradation, whether it is through habitat loss or increased demand for resources. Any long term solution must incorporate decreasing birthrates through increasing education, among other things.
Out of all of these awareness events (Earth Day, Earth Hour, etc), I am the biggest fan of Earth Day because of it's history and grass roots beginnings. I am willing to support things that raise awareness, but sometimes these events can be counterproductive or just ridiculous. I remember watching an NFL game and when they went back to the studio they were raising awareness of energy usage by having the studio lights turned off. So the anchors were sitting there in partial darkness, one of them was waiving around a flashlight, yet there were 6 LCD screens visible behind them turned on showing highlights of games and such. If they had really wanted to draw attention to energy usage (or if they wanted to use less energy permanently), they could have turned off those TV screens and been able to have their lights on and still used less energy.
It's great to remember how important our planet is and spread awareness of our impact on it, but it's more important to remember that we have an impact every day and it is in our daily choices that we will determine whether all of us humans can live sustainably on it or if Earth Day will have less of a meaning for future generations.
Out of all of these awareness events (Earth Day, Earth Hour, etc), I am the biggest fan of Earth Day because of it's history and grass roots beginnings. I am willing to support things that raise awareness, but sometimes these events can be counterproductive or just ridiculous. I remember watching an NFL game and when they went back to the studio they were raising awareness of energy usage by having the studio lights turned off. So the anchors were sitting there in partial darkness, one of them was waiving around a flashlight, yet there were 6 LCD screens visible behind them turned on showing highlights of games and such. If they had really wanted to draw attention to energy usage (or if they wanted to use less energy permanently), they could have turned off those TV screens and been able to have their lights on and still used less energy.
It's great to remember how important our planet is and spread awareness of our impact on it, but it's more important to remember that we have an impact every day and it is in our daily choices that we will determine whether all of us humans can live sustainably on it or if Earth Day will have less of a meaning for future generations.
Seven Billion People and Counting -- So Earth Day Matters More Than Ever
Yesterday, Earth Day was commemorated for the 40th time since 1970 -- this year, by about a billion people. How'd it get so popular? Ironically, it's one of corporate America's favorite advertising events. Wal-Mart is plugging "earth-friendly" stuff like Cheerios and STP gas treatment, while Sony is hyping its new video game Trash Panic and General Motors is providing Earth Day lesson plans for little ones. The Minnesota Beef Council's ludicrous line? "Celebrate Earth Day this year with a juicy, lean cut of beef and know you're making an environmentally responsible and healthy food choice" (and please, don't research the environmental effects of meat production). Never mind the fact that Earth Day 1972 arrived with 4 billion people on the planet, while today we're fast approaching 7 billion meat-and-Cheerio-eating, Wal-Mart-shopping, mass-consuming humans. Hey, anybody think overpopulation might be the biggest focus of future Earth Days? Just a thought. Besides, every day should be Earth Day -- as our friends at Grist.org put it, "One day is for amateurs."
Still, if a billion people have each done just one tiny thing to help the planet this April. . .well, that's better than a poke in the eye. And it doesn't mean we can't celebrate all year, which means today can be Earth Day, too. So go clean up a trail or something -- again -- and keep spreading the word about saving the environment. Because with all the people around today (and with all the advertisers cramping our style), we have a lot more spreading to do.
Read a thoughtful article from Grist.org and learn about the real first Earth Day -- which took place in March -- from the Boston Globe.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Metropolis Cafe
Metropolis Cafe - 584 Tremont St (South End, Back Bay)
On Sunday night, Ann and I were wandering down Tremont St looking for a place to eat and we decided to try out the Metropolis Cafe. I am happy to say it was an excellent choice. Described as a Bistro and Wine Bar, it has a cozy European feel. The menu was simple and had several dishes that I wanted to try. With some help from the waiter, I chose the Rigatoni. It was amazing. The sauce had a familiar flavor, but it was combined with enough spiciness and flavor that you just wanted to lick the plate clean. To top it all off, the menu is priced about $8 less than comparable restaurants on Tremont. Definitely a strong recommendation from me if you're in that area or looking for a new place to try.
On Sunday night, Ann and I were wandering down Tremont St looking for a place to eat and we decided to try out the Metropolis Cafe. I am happy to say it was an excellent choice. Described as a Bistro and Wine Bar, it has a cozy European feel. The menu was simple and had several dishes that I wanted to try. With some help from the waiter, I chose the Rigatoni. It was amazing. The sauce had a familiar flavor, but it was combined with enough spiciness and flavor that you just wanted to lick the plate clean. To top it all off, the menu is priced about $8 less than comparable restaurants on Tremont. Definitely a strong recommendation from me if you're in that area or looking for a new place to try.
Good News for High Speed Rail
In case you missed it, last week Obama and Biden came out with their plan for implementing high speed rail in the US. I am very excited by this proposal and feel that the US is far behind other developed countries in implementing inter city rail. Admittedly, our continent size geography and urban history make inter city rail less practical than most European countries or Japan, but I feel that there is already enough demand to utilize it in certain parts of the country and Obama's 'corridor' plan takes this into account.
It appears to me that the initial $8 billion will go towards improving existing infrastructure to let current generation trains run at their top speeds (around 110 mph). Normally, I would say this is a waste, but it only seems practical since we're so far behind and it will probably require an investment 10 times as large to implement a comprehensive high speed system. My only complaint is that I would prefer to see the focus made on a couple of high priority corridors instead of eleven. In particular, the Northeast Corridor (Boston to DC; I now I'm biased!), should be a model for the country due to its high density cities and relatively short distances. Getting the Acela up to 150 mph for the entire route could virtually eliminate air travel among several of the US' largest cities. I also think California needs a high speed line between the Bay Area and LA and their plan seems to be very well thought out and could accomodate train speeds up to 220 mph.
For more details go here (thanks to Sanjay for sending me the links originally).
It appears to me that the initial $8 billion will go towards improving existing infrastructure to let current generation trains run at their top speeds (around 110 mph). Normally, I would say this is a waste, but it only seems practical since we're so far behind and it will probably require an investment 10 times as large to implement a comprehensive high speed system. My only complaint is that I would prefer to see the focus made on a couple of high priority corridors instead of eleven. In particular, the Northeast Corridor (Boston to DC; I now I'm biased!), should be a model for the country due to its high density cities and relatively short distances. Getting the Acela up to 150 mph for the entire route could virtually eliminate air travel among several of the US' largest cities. I also think California needs a high speed line between the Bay Area and LA and their plan seems to be very well thought out and could accomodate train speeds up to 220 mph.
For more details go here (thanks to Sanjay for sending me the links originally).
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Grotto
Grotto - 37 Bowdoin St (Beacon Hill, Bowdoin, Government Center, Park St)
For our second Restaurant Week dinner, Ann and I checked out Grotto in Beacon Hill. We were both very excited at the prospect of a high end Italian menu with accessible yet intriguing entree options.
The name Grotto is very fitting as it is a cozy underground restaurant in an otherwise nondescript building on Bowdoin St. I would recommend it as a good spot for a special romantic dinner (once again price is an issue for making this a regular stop though Restaurant Week only saved $3 a meal over their regular menu with the same choices).
For the Primi course, I ordered the Cavatelle, which was hand rolled pasta combined with sausage and mushrooms in a thick cream sauce. It tasted amazing, although it was certainly very thick, almost like eating a cheese sauce, and required a very dry wine to cut through the taste in your mouth. Unfortunately my Chianti was not up to the task. I also got a bite of Ann's Sweet Potato Ravioli, and it was pretty good with an emphasis on sweet. I'm not sure I would order it for my meal, though. For the Secondi, we both ordered the Carne, which was beef tenderloin over risotto with asparagus and a red wine sauce. The beef was perfectly seasoned and truly a tasty piece of meat. Once again, my risotto seemed to be coated in a sort of thick cheesy sauce, with parmesan flecks on top of it. It tasted good, but could be overwhelming. Luckily, switching to a Cabernet for the meat certainly helped. The asparagus didn't really seem to fit into the taste patterns of the risotto or the red wine sauce, but overall I was very happy with my selection. To finish everything off, I ordered the Melting Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. For me, when it comes to dessert, simpler is better and it's hard to top this combination. That said, it was executed perfectly and was as good if not better than the Molten Chocolate cake at Finale (if only because they gave you a real portion of vanilla ice cream to offset the chocolate). Ann's dessert was Banana Bread with Caramel Ice Cream. I enjoyed the ice cream but am no big fan of Banana Bread and there was really nothing there to interest me after having eaten my chocolate cake.
All in all, I was a fan and would like to try some more dishes out. The normal $36 prix fixe price tag isn't outrageous for nice occasions and you get the added benefit of being able to walk off your meal through Boston's most romantic (and historic!) neighborhood afterwards.
For our second Restaurant Week dinner, Ann and I checked out Grotto in Beacon Hill. We were both very excited at the prospect of a high end Italian menu with accessible yet intriguing entree options.
The name Grotto is very fitting as it is a cozy underground restaurant in an otherwise nondescript building on Bowdoin St. I would recommend it as a good spot for a special romantic dinner (once again price is an issue for making this a regular stop though Restaurant Week only saved $3 a meal over their regular menu with the same choices).For the Primi course, I ordered the Cavatelle, which was hand rolled pasta combined with sausage and mushrooms in a thick cream sauce. It tasted amazing, although it was certainly very thick, almost like eating a cheese sauce, and required a very dry wine to cut through the taste in your mouth. Unfortunately my Chianti was not up to the task. I also got a bite of Ann's Sweet Potato Ravioli, and it was pretty good with an emphasis on sweet. I'm not sure I would order it for my meal, though. For the Secondi, we both ordered the Carne, which was beef tenderloin over risotto with asparagus and a red wine sauce. The beef was perfectly seasoned and truly a tasty piece of meat. Once again, my risotto seemed to be coated in a sort of thick cheesy sauce, with parmesan flecks on top of it. It tasted good, but could be overwhelming. Luckily, switching to a Cabernet for the meat certainly helped. The asparagus didn't really seem to fit into the taste patterns of the risotto or the red wine sauce, but overall I was very happy with my selection. To finish everything off, I ordered the Melting Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. For me, when it comes to dessert, simpler is better and it's hard to top this combination. That said, it was executed perfectly and was as good if not better than the Molten Chocolate cake at Finale (if only because they gave you a real portion of vanilla ice cream to offset the chocolate). Ann's dessert was Banana Bread with Caramel Ice Cream. I enjoyed the ice cream but am no big fan of Banana Bread and there was really nothing there to interest me after having eaten my chocolate cake.
All in all, I was a fan and would like to try some more dishes out. The normal $36 prix fixe price tag isn't outrageous for nice occasions and you get the added benefit of being able to walk off your meal through Boston's most romantic (and historic!) neighborhood afterwards.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Public comment and project info
A couple weeks ago, I was fortunate (I think) enough to attend my first public meeting for a major transportation project. The meeting in question was an information session about the Green Line Extension that was held at Somerville High School. The presentation was given by the Executive Office of Transportation, which is the state agency responsible for transit expansion projects. The Green Line Extension is the long overdue expansion of the light rail Green Line beyond Lechmere station into East Somerville and Medford. I thought the presentation was very well done and this is a project that will directly benefit a large number of currently underserved metro Boston residents while improving local and regional air quality. The tracks will follow the existing right of way of the Lowell and Fitchburg commuter rail lines and provide an additional seven stations to the Green Line in these communities.
It must be stated that I did not hear a single comment that was entirely negative about the project. Most every politician and resident that stood before the group commented on how happy they were this project would be getting done. (As a follow on to the Big Dig, the state is legally obligated to complete this project by 2014 in order to mitigate the environmental air quality effects of that highway expansion.) However, starting with the politicians, every person who spoke complained about the location of a maintenance facility in yard 8, adjacent to the Brickbottom station. It took a while to find out what about this they were against, but the basic argument was that this facility would hinder the economic development of this area for perpetuity. I don't want to discount legitimate concerns, but having driven through this neighborhood, it is currently an industrial area adjacent to a rail yard. Nowhere else in the project could a maintenance facility be housed and one is certainly required if this project is going to be successful. What amazed me most was the ridiculous analogies people (almost exclusively Brickbottom residents) would draw to show their opposition to this facility. One person said that "Developers don't like to build near three things: Nuclear power plants, chemical waste dumps, and maintenance facilities!" Another compared this project decision to the decision to send an elevated Interstate 93 through East Somerville.
I must say that I understand concern about a major project in your neighborhood. However, looking at the big picture, they can only be thankful for such a development. As I mentioned, this area is almost completely industrial and is one of the poorest parts of the city. Having access to reliable public transit will result in economic dividends on an order of magnitude greater than what will be lost by the location of a much needed maintenance facility.
Green Line Extension - www.mass.gov/greenlineextension
Other MBTA and Transit Documents
Capital Investment Program - 5 year plan outlining transportation needs and detailing planned investments. Interesting to skim through if you want to learn more about the financials of the MBTA
Program for Mass Transit - Long range plan for expanding and preserving transit infrastructure
Stimulus funded transit projects
Fitchburg Commuter Rail Improvement - Very near to my heart, this project would improve travel time and reliability on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail line primarily by improving the tracks to allow train speeds of up to 80 mph.
It must be stated that I did not hear a single comment that was entirely negative about the project. Most every politician and resident that stood before the group commented on how happy they were this project would be getting done. (As a follow on to the Big Dig, the state is legally obligated to complete this project by 2014 in order to mitigate the environmental air quality effects of that highway expansion.) However, starting with the politicians, every person who spoke complained about the location of a maintenance facility in yard 8, adjacent to the Brickbottom station. It took a while to find out what about this they were against, but the basic argument was that this facility would hinder the economic development of this area for perpetuity. I don't want to discount legitimate concerns, but having driven through this neighborhood, it is currently an industrial area adjacent to a rail yard. Nowhere else in the project could a maintenance facility be housed and one is certainly required if this project is going to be successful. What amazed me most was the ridiculous analogies people (almost exclusively Brickbottom residents) would draw to show their opposition to this facility. One person said that "Developers don't like to build near three things: Nuclear power plants, chemical waste dumps, and maintenance facilities!" Another compared this project decision to the decision to send an elevated Interstate 93 through East Somerville.
I must say that I understand concern about a major project in your neighborhood. However, looking at the big picture, they can only be thankful for such a development. As I mentioned, this area is almost completely industrial and is one of the poorest parts of the city. Having access to reliable public transit will result in economic dividends on an order of magnitude greater than what will be lost by the location of a much needed maintenance facility.
Green Line Extension - www.mass.gov/greenlineextension
Other MBTA and Transit Documents
Capital Investment Program - 5 year plan outlining transportation needs and detailing planned investments. Interesting to skim through if you want to learn more about the financials of the MBTA
Program for Mass Transit - Long range plan for expanding and preserving transit infrastructure
Stimulus funded transit projects
Fitchburg Commuter Rail Improvement - Very near to my heart, this project would improve travel time and reliability on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail line primarily by improving the tracks to allow train speeds of up to 80 mph.
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